Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness

If I am feeling sad or defeated, I put my Sony headphones on and Joyce talks to me. I know she is just reading her book, preaching her message, but the way she speaks, it really feels like she is talking directly to me, teaching me exactly the lesson I need to learn, exactly when I need to hear it. The timing of her messages in my life can only be described as supernatural. Many times the message is so right on, so clear, and such a relief, it reduces me to tears of joy. I am certain that God is using her to speak to me, and deliver the exact help I need, right when I need it. The fact is that my situation has not changed(much), but with God's help, I have been changed. God is so good.

This book helps you regain the joy that you thought you lost by pointing out the ways in which it was stolen. Too often as believers we get into a "rut" and we just don't "feel" like being joyful. So many things come at us and we begin to lose sight of God because of all the stuff piling up on top of us. This book helped me understand why I was in that "rut" and how to get out of it. No, the christian walk is not easy, but at least it can be joyful if we will stand strong in faith. If you feel like you have fallen it the "rut" of unjoyfulness, I suggest you buy this book and learn how to come back into the light before it is too late!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." In Seven Things That Steal Your Joy, Meyer, best known for "practical teaching of the Word of God" does not disappoint. The message of this book is one that every believer should discover or rediscover and apply to their daily lives. With so much going on in the world and in our lives, it is so easy to forget to smile, laugh, have peace of mind and enjoy living. This is much easier said than done. Of course, we are not talking about "fake it to you make it joy" but the real joy that comes from having a personal relationship with Christ. By doing this first and foremost everyday, soon you will be overflowing with joy and on your way to a truly happy life no matter what. Easy to read, filled with tips for life application and enlightening---this book is a must read for every woman who wants to breakthrough to a consistently joyous life. Highly Recommended. Reviewed by Cheryl for The GOOD GIRL Book Club www.goodgirlbookclubonline.com

This is an excellent and practical book. It's down to earth, real life, and written by somebody who's been there and done that. The principles are simple, and the advice presented in a friendly manner. Some "joy stealers" may prove a revelation, while others serve as a strong reminder, but in any case, if the advice in this book is followed, you're sure to end up more content.

One of the reasons this book is so authoritative is because the author describes how she overcame these "joy stealers" in her own life. What she learned she shares. The principles are doable, but more significant, they are based on the Bible. The principles work and they can be applied. She even gives specific examples of how they helped improve the quality of her life. Joyce reminds us that joy is power. The adversary knows this and consequently tries to steal joy. However, since the joy of the Lord is your strength, "...there is nothing satan can do to stop you when your heart is full of joy" (p. 192). Therefore, maintaining joy is essential to receiving the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Joy is acquired and maintained in spite of circumstances. She spends considerable time discussing Paul's realization that he had learned to be content regardless of the circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). Note this is something the apostle learned. Joyce says she learned it and she says we can learn it.Another Scriptural truth that she devotes considerable time to is Proverbs 3:5 & 6, to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Trust is coupled with faith in that "there are a whole lot of things only God can fix" (p. 165). Trusing Him means although we don't know what He is doing, we defer to His wisdom and that includes His timing.Growing spiritually is a process. She reminds us, "There will always be things we want to see happen in our lives, but we can learn to enjoy where we are on the way to where we are going" (p. 162). Yes that is a theme she's addressed in her other writings, but the repetition is beneficial. This book builds upon her other writings. Certain themes are reinforced. I strongly recommend this book. It will help you to correctly interpret situations that occur that seemingly don't make sense.