Who Stole Your Joy?
"It is better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and complaining wife.”
Proverb 21:19
Do you know anyone who complains? No matter what, there is always something to complain about, be upset with, or just plain angry. Hopefully, it’s not you. Complaining and negativity has an affect on anyone in earshot. So what do you do? Do you go along with the conversation agreeing with all that’s being said? Do you walk away? Or do you try to bring the person around to see that life is full of disappointments and it’s best to learn and grow.
Happiness begins within the person, and no matter what goes on around us, happiness is a choice. That's right. A choice. It’s a moment to decide if YOU will allow someone to “steal” your joy. No one can make you be upset or angry. You are the only one who gets to choose how you feel. I love the Proverb above, and laugh when I insert different names for the “wife” when I’m around someone who is constantly complaining. I really wonder who stole their joy and why they won’t fight to get it back. Life is too short to spend it complaining and arguing about things that really don’t matter. My guess is that pride is the biggest culprit. When it all boils down, we often think it's about us....and that's why we complain, wine, and bicker. It’s our pride that stands in the way of us and God. Over and over again, the Word speaks of humbling ourselves not only to our Lord, but to each other. What about you?
I’m sure you all have heard the question, is the glass half empty or half full? How do you see your life? I think we often look outward thinking we are the only ones dealing with our circumstance. No one knows how I feel. There it is…the I. It will stand between you and happiness or between you and contentment. It’s not until you begin to look outward, really seeing, that you will experience a peace. When a person starts down the complaining road, I try to detour them by asking them to name three things they are grateful for. At least that way praise can be given for a moment and perhaps the other things will be in a different perspective.
Now there are times, when we all complain a little. That’s not what I’m speaking about. Every now and then we all need to “vent” about something. Many times for me, talking about a problem will help me work through the solution, even if the other person has no idea what I’m talking about.
King Solomon in his wisdom knew the consequences of living with a quarrelsome and complaining wife. I would think living in a desert could be pretty rough, but evidently, the contrary is worse! Keep the I to I love you and look around at your life. Sometimes life gets overwhelming and all Satan needs is a foothold. Keep your sword and your shield ready for battle. Satan is crafty and will do whatever it takes to steal your joy. Has your joy been stolen? Then what are you waiting for? Go after it! Ask God for his wisdom and guidance on your life so that joy can once again be restored. May you find peace in this life.
Health-bite: Fill your glass full of joy.
