WHAT ROBS YOU OF YOUR JOY?

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7

When we ought to be enjoying victorious, abundant lives…what happens?
Fear creeps in, gets a grip on us and we miss out on the joyful life.
We lose many opportunities for joy because of our fear.
When fear dominates, there is no room for Christ, the One Who can comfort us
(John 16:33).
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Worry is the first cousin to fear.
Fear and worry will do to you what grit does to machinery – it will shut you down.
But God gives us victory with His power, His love, and the gift of a sound mind.
The Holy Spirit is your Bodyguard.
He walks with you; He guides you; He comforts you; He encourages you.
When we have the Holy Spirit, we discover
that the man who can kneel before God can stand before any man.
The Holy Spirit also gives us the power to discipline ourselves.
When we yield to temptations, we are not exercising self-discipline.
Why?  Because we have taken control of our lives from the Holy Spirit.
Why would anyone want to control their own lives?
Selfishness, plain and simple.
We want what we want and the Holy Spirit wants what God wants.
These two are in opposition to each other.
The more we take control of our lives,
the more we have problems with fear and worry.
Be totally honest with yourself right now – “Who is in control of your life?”

Jesus has you in His sight.
You are in God’s right hand.
He has a purpose for you.
He loves you.
If you are saved, He has given you the Holy Spirit.
Ask yourself,
“Can anything change those truths?”
The answer is, “Of course not!”
God is impartial, consistent, and all powerful.