*“OUR GOD IS NOT COMPLICATED”**

**Monday, March 10, 2025**  

**How to Lose Joy!**

Philippians 4:11-12: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (NKJV)  

**Discontentment and ingratitude will steal your joy!**  

True joy is a gift from God to every believer, yet many Christians seem to lack it. How can that be? Did God fail them? Absolutely not! 

Like peace, assurance, and other benefits of salvation, joy can be forfeited for various reasons. Willful sin, prayerlessness, fear, self-centeredness, focusing on circumstances, and a lack of forgiveness are some of the main culprits. Two common thieves of joy are dissatisfaction and ingratitude. Both often stem from the health, wealth, and prosperity mindset that is prevalent today. This mentality has led to a generation of Christians who are more dissatisfied than ever because their demands and expectations have soared. They have lost perspective on God’s sovereignty, and as a result, their ability to give thanks in all circumstances has diminished. 

In contrast, when Jesus taught about contentment and anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34), He referred to food and clothing—the basic necessities of life. However, we tend to focus not on necessities but on preferences. We become preoccupied with styles, personal appearance, job satisfaction, power, larger homes, and newer cars. In the name of greater faith, some demand that God provide more miracles, wealth, and power. Amidst this, Paul’s words serve as a refreshing reminder: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). He made no demands on God but trusted in His gracious provision, whether he received little or much. In either case, he remained satisfied and thankful. 

Don’t allow yourself to be swayed by the spirit of the age. Recognize God’s blessings for what they are, and continually praise Him for His goodness. By doing so, you will protect your heart from dissatisfaction and ingratitude. More importantly, you will bring joy to the One who is worthy of all praise. Pray that the Holy Spirit will cultivate within you a joy and contentment that transcends your circumstances. Make it a daily practice to thank God for specific blessings and trials, knowing that He uses both to fulfill His will in you. Amen!

**Let Us Pray:**  

My Savior and my Advocate, to You be the glory and honor for Your goodness, kindness, mercy, and overwhelming love, in the name of Jesus Christ.  

O Lord my Father, as You imparted Your grace upon Apostle Peter, and he did not fail nor fall, impart Your grace upon me and my household so that we will not fail nor fall, in the name of Jesus Christ.  

My Father, the Author and Finisher of my faith, remove and destroy anything that will steal my joy and my household’s joy, in the name of Jesus Christ.  

I decree that the joy of the Lord shall continue to strengthen my body, soul, and spirit, as well as that of my household, in the name of Jesus Christ!  

www.thecomforterevangelicalministry.org  

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