You can’t steal my joy!

This week, I walked through our neighborhood and found it hard to stay positive. I felt lonely and down. I don’t really have friends in Houston. My neighbors say hello and chat a little, and I've met some godly women at church, but there’s no one I can spend real time hanging with. We spend time off at the Hill Country retirement house, and it's been easier to start getting to know people there.

I moved to Texas three years ago to marry my husband, John. My family is a thousand miles away, and I don't have much contact with my North Carolina friends anymore. I’ve met some wonderful women in Texas to befriend, but at my age, most women have their besties and long-term friends. I’m a newbie, and it’s going to take time to be considered a real friend. I long for the days when I’m settled in one city and have a chance to build those relationships.

I sound so sad! What a big crybaby! Back to my walk...

As I made my way through the streets, a song came through my earbuds, reminding me who I was listening to. These feelings weren’t coming from God but from the enemy.

In the song “Can’t Steal My Joy,” Josiah Queen and Brandon Lake sing, “In the high highs, in the low lows/You fill my cup, You fill it up until it overflows/I remember, I'll keep holding on to hope.” (Josiah Queen - Can't Steal My Joy feat. Brandon Lake (Official Lyric Video), 2025)

We have a choice each day: to listen to the comforting Holy Spirit or the condemning enemy. Just like the first woman, Eve, this new Texas girl has a decision to make. I can feel sorry for myself and dwell on the many relationships and the things I lost when my ex-husband blew up my life, or I can count the many things I have to be grateful and thankful for. I have a loving husband, wonderful children and grandchildren, a beautiful home, retirement coming up in the Hill Country, great churches in both cities, chances for travel and adventure, new friendships starting to bud, and a Father who is always with me.

I’m reminded, in the book of Genesis, that our enemy is crafty and knows how to tear us down and discourage us. He figures out our weakness and dives in. Just like with Eve, the enemy knew her desire was to be wise like God, and he used his trickery to lure her to sin. Genesis 3:1 (NIV) tells us, “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’”

Eve listened to the enemy and his persuasion, and traveled down the road of sin.

The enemy knows my weaknesses and how much I want friendships, relationships, and a sense of security. He knows I can slip into discouragement, depression, and feeling unsatisfied. But the Holy Spirit keeps reminding me that God fills my cup to overflowing. He knows what I need and promises to stay with me, even when I feel lonely.

When I heard that song, it reminded me that no matter what’s going on or how the enemy tries to get to me, God is always faithful. Just knowing that helped me see what the enemy was doing and trust in God’s protection. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV), it reads: "But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."  

God is faithful. He gives me strength and keeps me safe from the enemy’s tricks.

Maybe you’re struggling with loneliness, feeling insecure, or dealing with depression today. I want to tell you to hold on to God’s promises and not listen to the enemy. Oh, that serpent is crafty, and he will make it seem so believable, but it is a lie.

I’d like to end with a prayer, and I encourage you to pray with me.

Father, thank you for your faithfulness to me. You never leave me or forsake me. You give me strength when I’m too weak and discouraged. Thank you for protecting my heart and mind from the evil one. I know you are greater than the enemy, and I claim the name of Jesus for power, shelter, and security. In your precious Son’s name, Jesus. Amen