Stolen Joy?

This semester I am studying Philippians on Wednesday nights as part of the pastor's Bible study.  It has been way over my head at times in only two short weeks.  With that being said, I know that the idea of joy permeates Paul's message to the church at Philippi and I was convicted by my lack of joy this week.

These first three weeks of school have been frustrating, stressful, and unbearable at times.  Much of the frustration is a result of issues that are beyond anyone's control and I let that control me.  My attitude was poor and I can't have been a very good example to others.

Ordinarily I would say that I let it "steal" my joy. I've heard this terminology about stolen joy much of my life in church. It's either that or being robbed of joy.  What this says though is that I let someone else have control of my own joy and that's not the case.  Stress, frustration, business, others -- none of this "stole" my joy; I let my joy go.  I didn't hold onto.  I didn't seek it out.  There's no one to blame but me.

A friend and coworker blessed me with this Spurgeon devotional Friday morning, after the Lord really laid my missing joy on my heart the night before:

"There were also with Him other little ships."—Mark 4:36.

ESUS was the Lord High Admiral of the sea that night, and His presence preserved the whole convoy. It is well to sail with Jesus, even though it be in a little ship. When we sail in Christ's company, we may not make sure of fair weather, for great storms may toss the vessel which carries the Lord Himself, and we must not expect to find the sea less boisterous around our little boat. If we go with Jesus we must be content to fare as He fares; and when the waves are rough to Him, they will be rough to us. It is by tempest and tossing that we shall come to land, as He did before us. When the storm swept over Galilee's dark lake all faces gathered blackness, and all hearts dreaded shipwreck.
When all creature help was useless, the slumbering Saviour arose, and with a word, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of a calm; then were the little vessels at rest as well as that which carried the Lord. Jesus is the star of the sea; and though there be sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too. May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their harbour. His Church is the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence. He Himself is the great attraction; let us follow ever in His wake, mark His signals, steer by His chart, and never fear while He is within hail. Not one ship in the convoy shall suffer wreck; the great Commodore will steer every barque in safety to the desired haven. By faith we will slip our cable for another day's cruise, and sail forth with Jesus into a sea of tribulation. Winds and waves will not spare us, but they all obey Him; and, therefore, whatever squalls may occur without, faith shall feel a blessed calm within. He is ever in the centre of the weather-beaten company: let us rejoice in Him. His vessel has reached the haven, and so shall ours.


If I look at Paul's example in his letter - he had joy in the depths of despair.  I am not imprisoned or persecuted like Paul; I'm living a good life.  I have a wonderful family, a great job, amazing friends, and a Father who loves me despite my screw ups.  As in the example for Mark, I will face trials. It won't always be easy. BUT - How can I not be joyful? I have ultimate control over my own joy. It's time to live it!