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With all these problems surrounding our global economies – unemployment, declining stock markets, high oil prices, declining consumer confidence, social unrest, etc. it is but natural for most of us to feel worried about our future.
Author Charles Swindoll mentioned in his book entitled “Laugh Again”, that there are three (3) common “joy stealers” in our lives. These are – stress, worry and fear.
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Swindoll defined stress as an intense strain over a situation that we can’t control or change. He defined worry as an inordinate anxiety about something that may or may not occur. And fear was defined by the author as a dreadful uneasiness over danger, evil, or pain. Most of us fail to experience true happiness because we let these “joy stealers” rule our lives. Even if we have millions in our savings account or substantial amount of life insurance coverage, we will never have peace and happiness if stress, worry, and fear enter our lives.
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Swindoll suggests that we embrace the same confidence of Apostle Paul as mentioned in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 1:6). In his letter, Paul assured the Philippians that God is in control and we can leave everything in His hands.
Let us remind ourselves to resist those “joy stealers”. We cannot control 100% of our lives; there are so many situations that are beyond our control – and we should stop worrying about it. Just continue doing the right things and allow God to do the rest. He is in control. Trust Him.
very true…. I actually experienced these 3 joy stealers in my life which had lead me to depression,…but I was able to cope up because I fight for it…Although all things quite normal now sometimes those bad moments flashes in my memory, which making me sad at times…Until now I can feel somethings lacking undescribable……
Very true! Great article.
Great jojo
very good article,thank you.
So very true. I experience those 3 joy stealers quite often.
So true – nice write
Resting in God.
I agree with you. Such joy stealers…
i am in total agreement with you!
Very true indeed! That is what Bhagwad Gita also says- “do your karma and don’t worry about the results.”
-manya