Today, I want to look at the joy robbing thoughts and how to fight them. Seeking a deeper understanding for this devotional, I immersed myself in biblical research, exploring the many facets of the word “joy” and its significance throughout the Bible. I found Joy shows up 242 in the NIV version, and 68 of those references are in the New Testament.
Joy and faith, hope, and love are significant parts of our faith. The Bible also considers joy one of the fruits of the Spirit. We find those in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV); “22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” However, how does our joy disappear when negative thoughts overwhelm us?
Joy Robbing Thoughts
As Christians, are we not called to cultivate a deep and abiding joy, despite life’s challenges? Yes, but we are also human, and the weight of unexpected events can steal our joy. Negative thoughts might creep in, perhaps after the sting of job loss, the ache of a failed relationship, or the shock of an unwelcome medical diagnosis. The recent diagnosis of my degenerative disc disease hit me hard and brought a wave of fear and uncertainty. My husband’s words, “God is with you,” echoed in my ears, but the negative thoughts still swirled in my mind. These disheartening thoughts momentarily overshadowed the joy I find in my faith in Jesus.
As Easter approaches, celebrating Christ’s resurrection, I’m grateful for his perfect humanity and divinity; his understanding of our struggles allows him to love us, even as negative thoughts plague us. Instead of searching elsewhere, He desires us to find our joy in Him, a joy that surpasses all understanding. To help myself and others, I summarized seven Bible verses to guide us to finding our joy again. Spend some time to ponder each verse, maybe while playing come calming music. May you find these as helpful as I have found them, offering valuable insights and practical solutions.
7 Bible Verses to Drive Away Joy Robbing Thoughts
- Despite knowing every flaw and imperfection, God’s love for me remains steadfast. Isaiah 43:1 (NIV); “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Despite the weight of negative thoughts stealing my joy, I cling to the knowledge of God’s enduring love, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
- God goes before me in all the circumstances of life. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV); “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Regardless of the challenges or triumphs my future may bring, the steadfast love of God stands as an unyielding source of strength and hope, waiting to assist me along the way.
- I can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13 (NIV); “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” God will grant me the strength to face whatever challenges come my way, imbuing me with courage and resilience.
- The pain we feel now is insignificant when compared to the endless joy we will experience with Christ in eternity. Romans 8:18 (NIV); “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” If we truly grasped the endless, magnificent glory of our eternal life with Christ, our joy would be unshakeable.
- No weapon formed against us will prosper. Isaiah 54:17 (NIV); “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, declares the Lord.” God’s protection is a comforting presence, even amidst life’s most challenging battles.
- I am a child of God. Romans 8:16 (NIV); “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” Since I am His child, He does not condemn me for my negative thoughts. Instead, he offers me His love.
- The same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV); “19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” And that power can put the joy back into my heart.
What Thoughts Take Away your Joy?
Now, it’s your turn. Are there particular situations, perhaps recurring stressors or unmet needs, that rob you of joy and lead to negative thought patterns? Remember your strengths and don’t let discouragement win. Instead, let these verses redirect your thoughts to the Lord’s unwavering love and guidance. And before long, the warmth of His joy will fill your heart once more.
Prayer for Joy to Return
O Lord, my God, I yearn for your closeness and your comfort. Draw closer. Let me feel your presence beside me. O my God, I cry out to you as fear and uncertainty tears through my soul, leaving me bereft of joy. You are my hope, my refuge, the only thing that soothes my aching heart. I place my trust in you, cry out to you from the very core of my being, and await your comforting embrace with unwavering patience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A New Children’s Book Recommendation
“Stuck in the Middle”, Harriet E. Michael’s debut children’s book, teaches that everyone is special in God’s mind. He created us each uniquely and gave us each a role only we can fill.
Harriet E. Michael is a widely published, award-winning author and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from West Virginia University but has discovered her passion for writing. Since her first published article in 2010, she now has hundreds of articles, devotions, and short stories that have been published in both Christian and secular magazines. She has also authored or co-authored over a dozen books and has won several writing awards. Born in Africa, the child of missionaries, Harriet was a middle child just like Hannah in this story. Today she is a wife,. mother, and grandmother. This is her debut children’s book.
You can find the book at
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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I’m thankful for the joy found in knowing God. Bad times come and go. Good times come and go. But, His love and joy are forever. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Thanks my friend. You have a blessed week too. ❤️
Thanks, Yvonne, for these encouraging Scriptures. So much help for today!
Thanks Barbara. I believe it is much needed. Blessings
Such an uplifting and inspiring message, Yvonne. Thank you for sending sunshine on this cloudy day. The scriptures you share are so helpful, bringing light when darkness attempts to quench our joy.
Cloudy here too today. Thanks Katherine. Our world needs lots of light these days. Blessings
Especially appreciated Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV); “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” this morning!
Thanks Debbie. God places the right verse in front of us when we need it. God bless.
The joy I experience with God is great, but my worries do sometimes get the best of me and snatch away that joy. I love the beautiful prayer you shared to help with this.
Thanks Candyce. I have experienced the same situation so I wrote it for myself also. Blessings
This is a wonderful list of affirming Bible verses. Isaiah 43:1 and Romans 8:16 speak to my heart.
Thank you Carol. They are very affirming verses. God blessings to you
I need these Scripture truths daily to overcome negative thoughts that creep in. Thank you for these wonderful reminders, Yvonne. I’m keeping you in prayer, dear friend.
Thanks so much Melissa. We all need help in fighting those negative thoughts. God bless.
The devil tries so hard to rob us of true joy. He uses our suffering to create doubt and sadness. But God triumphs over all of this. I loved these scripture suggestions. I’m keeping you in prayer, Yvonne!
Thanks Jessica. I appreciate you ❤️
Such a needed message, Yvonne. Printed off your list of Scriptures. The enemy wants to and enjoys robbing us of the joy of the Lord. His Word and Truth are the perfect remedy to help us find our joy again. Thank you!
Thank you Karen. The enemy is robbing so many people of joy. But Christ is the answer. God bless