Isn’t it interesting the things that come to your mind when you’re being robbed of your joy by irritating people, or from tough circumstances or even overcome with grief? Do these things just come to mind or do you train your mind to think certain things during these times?

For me I’ve trained my mind to think of songs, mainly old hymns and their lyrics when certain issues arise that try to steal my joy. Here’s an example of one that I hum or sing when the situation or person I’m facing is irritating me.

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (where?) down in my heart (where?) down in my heart
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart (where?) down in my heart to stay.

This will also trigger the bible verse Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” which also has a little song/tune made to go with this verse that I sing to ward off those feelings of defeat, or bitterness. Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison to strengthen believers and to show them that true joy comes from Jesus only not in our circumstances or even the people in our lives.

I’ve never been in prison, but I have experienced a lot of joy stealin’ situations and people. So, I need these words of life to be embedded into my mind; otherwise I might be tempted to give someone a black eye!

I hope you’ll join me…. by keeping Gods word in your heart, and listening to songs created to keep your mind focused on Jesus and what he’s done for you.

“God, we will keep our mind set on things above, please take care of changing our hearts and bringing us through these tough times in life. In Jesus name Amen.”