Joy Stealers

Heart Conditions

God's plan for His people is that we would have joy no matter what season of life we are in; no matter the ups and downs. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that The Joy of the LORD is our strength. When we have joy, we have strength--in mind, emotions, and spirit. God also knows that there are Joy Stealers. We went through the Parable of the Sower found in Mark 4:15-19. Here we find 3 types of ground or as I call them, heart conditions, as these represent people. Here is a very brief overview.

Wayside--this person is near or beside the Path of Life but not on it. The Seed of God's word comes and never makes it past their head to their heart. The Accuser comes and does what he does, accuses and makes them to doubt that the word is truth for their life--then steals that seed. It never produces. Joy Stolen by DOUBT.

Stony Ground--this person has set beliefs about things that came from life experiences and words. When the seed of God word comes, although excited at first that they can finally change, they don't, because the seed cannot get past the belief they already had and unbelief comes. Joy Stolen by UNBELIEF.

Thorny Ground--This person gets entangled and stuck on self. They may desire to obey God but distractions come, money troubles (wanting too much or not having enough), making everything about themself (although likely trying to spiritualize it). Joy Stolen by SELF FOCUS

All of these fail to Let the Word Become Life in their Life because of the Joy Stealer that caused the Word to be unfruitful.

God doesn't tell us the problem without giving an answer. He wants to heal the hearts of all of those with one of these heart condition that has been keeping the Word of God from becoming life in their life. We find the way to that healing in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Humble yourself (realize you do not know better than God), pray (judge where you are really at and admit it as sin), turn from those things that God cannot work with because there is no faith in it--all of this is really a hearts cry of total surrender and recognition that we cannot heal our own ground and change. Only God can.

Let's Discuss...

1. Did you find yourself in one of the heart condition/ground examples? If so, which one?

2. What are you doing so God can heal your ground?

3. What was your aha or ouch from the message and how is it changing you?

   
   

His Servant,

Elder Christy