John 17:13 (KJV) And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

Romans 14:17 (KJV) For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousnes, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.      

Psalm 30:5 (KJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. 

Have you ever woke up in the morning feeling as though everything was the way it should be?  The sun is shining outside your window, birds are serenading the warm sun and you're wide awake ready to take on whatever the world has to offer that day.  How many times has your day started out great only to have something immediately come against you trying to take your joy away?  Be it car trouble, unruly hair or something as finicky as a bad drive in to work comes against you to take away your joy.  We all know that when we're having a great day the devil will throw any and everything at you in order to steal your joy. After all, why would he let you be happy if he can't be?  But remember something: God promises joy even though frustrating things will happen to you, you're still promised joy. 

So often, we let circumstances steal our joy by simply letting those things occupy our minds far too long.  Remember that most of life's irritants only for last a moment, so there is no need for those irritants to last more than a moment in the forefront of our minds.  Why are you still thinking about the stupid comment your co-worker said when your co-worker has already forgotten about it?  We have to start guarding our mental space and stop allowing unworthy people and things to occupy that space.  Your mind belongs to you and no one else.  Not only does your mental space belong to you, but you have the authority to dictate what your mind should focus on.  So, decide today to renew your mind and take authority over it when it begins to meditate on the wrong things.

I know this is easier said than done because behavioral patterns take time to change. It can be even harder to hold on to your joy when the assailants on your happiness are your loved ones.  The spiteful comments and inconsiderate actions of a loved one hurts far worse than that of someone you barely know.  When a loved one hurts you it leaves wounds to your heart that will only get worse in time if not addressed immediately.  Why? Because you hold these people in a special place in your heart.  But know this: just because they hold a special place in your heart doesn't mean that they own the right to steal

away your happiness with harsh words and actions.  So when your loved ones come against you, immediately forgive them. Remember that they're not holding on to the fact that they have wronged you, so you shouldn't either.  I'm not saying forget about what happened and allow yourself to be walked over.  I'm saying don't brood on it and allow it to occupy your mind distracting you from the joy that you are entitled to.  Brooding only picks at open wounds while forgiving allows those wounds to heal.  

Joy through every storm is yours for the taking, so meditate on God's word and His plan for your happiness.  Joy is yours and nothing can take it from you unless you relinquish it.

John 16:22 (NIV) But I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV) Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Written By: Cafe Belle Faith Barista