9 Sneaky Things Stealing Your Joy and How to Defeat Them

These 9 sneaky things may be stealing your joy without you even realizing it. Here's how to fight back and reclaim peace in your life!

Life is a gift, a beautiful tapestry woven with countless moments of joy and blessings. As people of faith, we are taught to rejoice and find happiness in the Lord. He wants us to experience joy in our lives.

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However, it's all too easy to find our joy being stolen away. So, keep an eye out for these sneaky things that could be stealing your joy!

9 Sneaky Things Stealing Your Joy

In this fast-paced world, there are so many intrusions into our daily lives. And that can make it hard to hold on to the joy and peace our Lord promises us. So, let's explore how to overcome these joy killers through our faith.

1) Worry and Anxiety

The weight of worry and anxiety can often steal our joy. We become so consumed with our problems and fears that we forget to trust in God's plan. Surrendering all of our hopes, dreams and outcomes to the Lord isn't easy. But it's the only way to combat the worry and fear that comes to steal our joy.

As the Bible tells us in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Similarly, doubt and fear can cast a shadow over our joy. In moments of uncertainty, we must remember to trust in God's plan and His unwavering love for us. In times of doubt, we can turn to Scripture for reassurance and draw strength from our faith community.

So cast those fears onto the Lord. We are not meant to carry the burden!

2) Busyness

These days, life seems to move at the speed of light. With things like email, texting, and expedited shipping, our society has become accustomed to instant gratification. Waiting seems impossible and everything must happen NOW!

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But all the rushing and those to-do lists that seem never-ending start stealing our joy if we're not careful. We can easily find ourselves consumed by busyness, leaving little time for quiet reflection and connection with God. The busier we become, the further we get from our true source of joy and therefore, the easier it is for joy to slip away. Embracing moments of stillness and prayer can help us reclaim our joy and strengthen our faith.

Even if it means marking the time on our calendars or sitting alone in our cars after grocery shopping -- carve out some time each day for prayer, Scripture reading and to just focus on God!

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalms 46:10

3) Distractions Stealing Your Joy

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of distractions that can steal our joy. Smartphones, social media, streaming services, etc. -- there is just so much out there vying for our attention. And just like busyness, these distractions pull us further from God.

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If we're not careful, distractions can take center stage in our lives. And we risk losing sight of the blessings and the divine beauty that surround us. Let's make an effort to recenter our focus on what truly matters, to find joy in the present, and to nurture our faith. It's in those moments of clarity that we can truly experience the profound joy that comes from being present in God's grace.

4) Comparison

Not only can social media become a distraction, it can lure us into the trap of comparing our lives to others. We see the carefully curated highlight reels of others' lives and wonder why our own don't measure up. This unhealthy comparison can steal our joy and lead to discontentment. We lose sight of the blessings in our own lives and begin coveting what others have or are experiencing.

Of course, we're never getting to see the full story. Only the polished, picture-perfect moments getting posted.

Our faith reminds us that we are all unique. And our worth is not determined by the world's standards, but rather by God's unconditional love for us. So, take a deep breath and turn your heart toward God and your focus toward the blessings He's given you.

5) Materialism -- All That Stuff Is Stealing Your Joy!

The pursuit of material wealth and possessions can also be a joy-stealer. There is nothing wrong with being financially well-off, or even wealthy. People often say money is the root of all evil, but we read in the Bible that it's the love of money that gets us in trouble.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:10

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When we place too much importance on material things, we lose sight of the spiritual riches that truly matter. For as we read in Matthew 6:24, we cannot serve two masters. Wealth and materials can become idols. And if we allow it, they start taking the place of God in our hearts. It's important to remember that everything we have comes from and belongs to God. And it is to be used according to His purpose. And that includes our wealth and possessions.

Seeking joy in "things" will always leave us empty. We're always going to want more or bigger and better. Seek, instead, the true source of everlasting joy -- Jesus!

As Jesus encourages in Matthew 6:19-21, "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

6) Entitlement

Entitlement, the belief that we're owed certain privileges or possessions, can be a subtle joy-stealer in our lives. With entitlement comes a lack of gratitude because we're often focused on what we feel we don't have (and deserve) rather than the abundant blessings we've already received.

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This mindset can lead to dissatisfaction and rob us of the genuine joy that comes from gratitude and humility. And gratitude is a powerful force that can restore joy. 

As people of faith, we're reminded to count our blessings and remember that every good gift is from above. Don't let ungratefulness start stealing your joy! By shifting our perspective from entitlement to thankfulness, we open our hearts to the joy and contentment that faith can provide.

7) Bitterness and Resentment

Holding onto bitterness and resentment towards others can erode our joy from the inside out. Forgiveness, a fundamental principle of our faith, is the key to releasing these negative emotions and finding freedom.

Colossians 3:13 teaches us to "bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Is there a past hurt you're holding onto or someone you need to forgive? When we withhold forgiveness from others, the anger and bitterness that build up inside are just one more way satan can come between us and the love of our Heavenly Father. They become a chain, holding us back and keeping us from the joy God has designed for us!

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8) Toxic Relationships

Toxic relationships, those that drain your spirit and undermine your well-being, can be joy-stealers that weigh heavily on your heart.

In our faith journey, it's essential to recognize that God intends for us to have relationships that uplift, support, and bring us closer to Him. When we find ourselves entangled in toxic dynamics, it becomes challenging to fully embrace the joy and peace that our faith promises. These relationships can distract us from the love and kindness we're meant to share with others. And they often erode our sense of self-worth and purpose. As believers, it's vital to seek the strength and guidance to distance ourselves from toxic relationships, making room for the genuine joy and love that our faith can bring into our lives.

In the face of toxic relationships, prayer and faith can be powerful allies. It's not always easy to distance ourselves from those who bring toxicity into our lives. But with faith as our anchor, we can find the courage to set healthy boundaries and seek support from our faith community. In doing so, we pave the way for a more joyful and fulfilling life, one that aligns with the love and compassion that God calls us to embody.

Remember, as people of faith, we are never alone in our struggles. God's love and guidance are ever-present, helping us navigate the difficult journey of releasing toxic relationships and embracing the joy and peace that come with His divine presence.

9) Not Enough Self-Care

As people of faith, we know self-sacrifice is important. Yet, while caring for our loved ones and our communities is a noble endeavor, neglecting self-care can be a silent joy-stealer.

When we consistently put ourselves last, we risk becoming physically and emotionally drained, making it challenging to find the joy that faith promises. It's important to remember that self-care isn't a selfish act; it's a necessary part of our journey toward a joyful and fulfilling life.

As we follow our faith's teachings about loving and caring for one another, let's not forget that this love should also extend to ourselves. In fact, it's often from a place of self-care that we can more effectively care for others. Our faith reminds us that our bodies and minds are precious gifts from God, and taking care of them allows us to be better vessels of love, compassion, and joy.

So, take time to nourish your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By prioritizing self-care, you not only replenish your own joy but also have more to share with those around you, making the world a brighter and more faith-filled place.

Keep These Things From Stealing Your Joy

In conclusion, as people of faith, we are called to live joyfully and to share our joy with others. By identifying and addressing the "things" that steal our joy, we can rekindle the light of faith and find the happiness that God intended for us.

Through prayer, gratitude, and trust in the Lord, we can overcome these joy-stealers and live a life filled with the boundless joy that our faith promises.

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While the Bible doesn't explicitly mention the devil "stealing your joy" in those exact words, it does contain verses and teachings that address the concepts of spiritual warfare, joy, and the adversary's attempts to undermine our happiness and faith.

Bible Verses About The Devil Stealing Your Joy

Here are some Bible verses that relate to these themes:

1. John 10:10 "The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." This verse emphasizes that the devil's intentions are to steal and destroy, but through Jesus, we can experience abundant life.

2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 "Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings." This passage warns us about the devil's tactics and encourages us to resist his influence.

3. James 4:7 "Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Here, we are encouraged to resist the devil's attempts to lead us away from God, which can help protect our joy.

4. 2 Corinthians 2:11 "that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes." This verse reminds us to be aware of the devil's strategies so that we can guard against them.

5. Ephesians 6:12 "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." This verse underscores the spiritual battle we face and the need to rely on God's strength to maintain our joy and faith.

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Tired of the devil stealing your joy and undermining your faith? Then as the Bible emphasizes, turn to faith, prayer, and reliance on God. With these, we can resist satan's efforts and instead experience the joy that comes from our relationship with Jesus!

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Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/fizkes

Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!