My Pastor, Mike Linch, began a new series called “Spin” this morning, and the message really hit home to me.  The central thought was when my world seems to be spinning out of control, I need to look for His presence.  The text was Philippians 4:4-5:

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful!  Let everyone know how considerate you are.  The Lord is near.

Mike started with a great definition of joy (”…a deep down confidence that God is in control and He will work good for His children”) and then identified three “Joy Stealers” that we often let rob us of our joy, our contentment, and our peace of mind.  Here they are, along with the remedy to counteract them:

Joy Stealer #1: Dependence on Circumstances. 

I need to realize that God is working in me!

Joy Stealer #2: Feelings of Insignificance

I need to realize that God is wanting to use me!

Joy Stealer #3: A Sense of Hopelessness

I need to realize that God is watching over me!

Do you recognize any of these “Joy Stealers” at work in your life?  If so, get your eyes off of yourself and your circumstances and look for God at work in you, through you and around you!  The Lord is near!

Check out the blogs of some of the awesome ministry team at NorthStar Church:
Mike Linch
Randy Elster
C.A. Phillips
Jaime Maddox