Where to Watch
Joy Stealers
Life was meant to be lived with joy, but so often that joy gets stolen by things like anxiety, anger, addiction, comparison and pride. What if we could lay aside these joy stealers and step into the abundant life Jesus came to bring? Join us as we take an honest look at the things that drain our joy and discover the freedom, healing and lasting hope that Jesus offers.
Addiction | April 11/12
There is so much that we can grow addicted to - substances, gambling, technology, food, and even behaviors like gossip and slander. These addictions leave us as people empty and enslaved rather than full of the joy that comes through Jesus, who brings both freedom and self-control. Let us guard our hearts against the good and bad things that seek to control us and instead look to the only Master who loves and died for us to set us free.
Anger | April 18/19
We live in a culture that promotes and provokes anger and outrage. Not only do such feelings not change the world or solve problems, but they can grip our hearts and ruin relationships, leading to bitter people who hold grudges and isolate themselves from others. Instead of cultivating anger or letting it fester, let us turn to Jesus and see how the joy not only causes us to be slow to anger but also restores our hearts and relationships.
Anxiety | April 25/26
This world is filled with things that can provoke anxiety and cause us to worry. These anxieties and worries can take deep root in our hearts, robbing us of the joy and peace that is found in Jesus. Rather than being anxious about these things and this struggle, we can find help by turning to him in this battle and discovering the peace of Christ that can help us in the anxious times and a world of worry.
Pride | May 2/3
In an era that celebrates celebrities and is obsessed with fame and achievements, our hearts can easily be drawn into practices of self-promotion and consumed with pride. Thinking too highly of or too much of ourselves, however, sets us down a path that leads to destruction while recognizing our need for Christ and humbling ourselves before him leads to the enduring and everlasting joy that comes through him.
Envy | May 9/10
While envy has always been a temptation, it seems to have ratcheted up in our interconnected age as we are more aware than ever of what others have that we may not and may want. Such knowledge can cause us to be unsatisfied with what we have and lead to ill thoughts, words, and actions to those who have what we want. Instead of letting envy steal our joy and spread strife in our lives, being content and at peace with the gifts that God has given in and through Christ us leads to a joy that we don’t need to protect from others but can invite others to share as well.