Joy Stealers

Joy Stealers

(by Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Have you ever noticed how many times when you are involved in a conversation with another person how negative it becomes? It seems like most people want to emphasize all of the things that are going wrong in their lives, or in the lives of those they know. Even something as simple as the weather will often draw complaints. “It is too hot,” or “it is too cold,” or “another rainy weekend.”

I enjoy the ministry that God has given me, working with those who are incarcerated, and I find that almost every one of them have some very serious issues they are facing. They are only focusing on the problems instead of what God is trying to do in their lives. This isn’t limited to inmates, but is also found throughout society. Even the leaders in many churches dwell upon the negative issues in the church or in their own lives. I often feel very sorry for them because something has stolen their joy in the Lord.

The verse above instructs us to not be conformed to this world, which only complains or tries to find joy in worldly things. It goes on to show us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. What this means is to stop putting our complaints in the forefront of our lives, and put what God is doing first.

One might say, “But you don’t know what I am going through.” You are right, but Jesus knows, and He is in the process of transforming you through it. The things that God allows into your life are to help your faith in Him grow stronger. When you acknowledge that to yourself, as well as to others, you will find joy even in your pain.

Begin with the simple things, such as a rainy weekend. God is bringing just the right amount of rain to grow those beautiful flowers and delicious veggies. Joy comes from realizing God is totally in control, regardless of the situation. The joy stealer is when you don’t tell yourself or others about that part of the issue.