Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness (Meyer, Joyce) [Hardcover]

Joyce Meyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 6, 2004 | Series: Meyer, Joyce

#1 New York Times bestselling author Joyce Meyer reveals the seven most common obstacles to living a happy life and the ways to triumph over them.

Download the free Joyce Meyer author app.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Meyer, host of the television show Life in the Word and author of a multitude of Christian books, presents a good survey of biblical texts referring to the central place of joy in the believer's life, but her conclusions from those verses do little more than restate the obvious. She gives advice to combat various "Joy Stealers" such as religious legalism, excessive reasoning, ungodly anger and envy, but her directives can be oversimplified: "Arm yourself with the kind of thinking that says, I would rather suffer than fail to please God. If you surrender to Him, you will never again intentionally disobey God." The book's language often slips into a very heavily Christian subculture accent: "I'll tell you what I'm believing for this year, Mom. I'm believing to walk in love with every person I come in contact with." Despite these drawbacks-and the fact that Meyer has already tackled many of these topics in her earlier titles-her basic, straightforward discussion will appeal to many readers, walking them through some valuable self-examination. The desire most people have for more joy, coupled with Meyer's growing name recognition, will make this a popular book.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Joyce Meyer has been teaching the Word of God since 1976 and in full-time ministry since 1980. She is the bestselling author of more than seventy inspirational books, including Approval Addiction, In Pursuit of Peace, How to Hear from God, and Battlefield of the Mind. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: FaithWords (April 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446533513
• ISBN-13: 978-0446533515
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #46,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on hundreds of subjects, has authored over seventy books and conducts close to fifteen conferences per year. To date, more than 12 million of her books have been distributed worldwide, and in 2007 over 3.2 million copies were sold. Joyce also has a television and radio program, Enjoying Everyday Life®, that is broadcast worldwide to a potential audience of 3 billion people. In addition, her programs can be accessed around the clock at www.joycemeyer.org.
Having suffered sexual abuse as a child and the pain of an emotionally abusive first marriage, Joyce discovered the freedom to live victoriously by applying God's Word to her life and in turn desires to help others do the same. From her battle with breast cancer to the struggles of everyday life, she speaks openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.
Over the years, God has provided Joyce with many opportunities to share her testimony and the life-changing message of the Gospel. In fact, Time magazine selected her as one of the most influential evangelical leaders in America. She is an incredible testimony of the dynamic, redeeming work of Jesus Christ. She believes and teaches that regardless of a person's background or past mistakes, God has a place for them and can help them on their path to enjoying everyday life.
Joyce holds an earned PhD in theology from Life Christian University in Tampa, Florida; an honorary doctorate in divinity from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and an honorary doctorate in sacred theology from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Joyce and her husband, Dave, have been married for over forty years, and they are the parents of four grown children. Dave and Joyce Meyer make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book Filled With Wisdom!, May 18, 2004

By 

Dr. W. G. Covington, Jr. (Edinboro, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness (Meyer, Joyce) (Hardcover)

One of the reasons this book is so authoritative is because the author describes how she overcame these "joy stealers" in her own life. What she learned she shares. The principles are doable, but more significant, they are based on the Bible. The principles work and they can be applied. She even gives specific examples of how they helped improve the quality of her life.

Joyce reminds us that joy is power. The adversary knows this and consequently tries to steal joy. However, since the joy of the Lord is your strength, "...there is nothing satan can do to stop you when your heart is full of joy" (p. 192). Therefore, maintaining joy is essential to receiving the abundant life Jesus died to give us. Joy is acquired and maintained in spite of circumstances. She spends considerable time discussing Paul's realization that he had learned to be content regardless of the circumstances (Philippians 4:11-13). Note this is something the apostle learned. Joyce says she learned it and she says we can learn it.

Another Scriptural truth that she devotes considerable time to is Proverbs 3:5&6, to "trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not unto your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Trust is coupled with faith in that "there are a whole lot of things only God can fix" (p. 165). Trusing Him means although we don't know what He is doing, we defer to His wisdom and that includes His timing.

Growing spiritually is a process. She reminds us, "There will always be things we want to see happen in our lives, but we can learn to enjoy where we are on the way to where we are going" (p. 162). Yes that is a theme she's addressed in her other writings, but the repetition is beneficial. This book builds upon her other writings. Certain themes are reinforced. I strongly recommend this book. It will help you to correctly interpret situations that occur that seemingly don't make sense.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If I am feeling sad or defeated..., January 24, 2006

By 

Teresa (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness (Audio CD)

If I am feeling sad or defeated, I put my Sony headphones on and Joyce talks to me. I know she is just reading her book, preaching her message, but the way she speaks, it really feels like she is talking directly to me, teaching me exactly the lesson I need to learn, exactly when I need to hear it. The timing of her messages in my life can only be described as supernatural. Many times the message is so right on, so clear, and such a relief, it reduces me to tears of joy. I am certain that God is using her to speak to me, and deliver the exact help I need, right when I need it. The fact is that my situation has not changed(much), but with God's help, I have been changed. God is so good.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SHE SPEAKS FROM EXPERIENCE, June 4, 2004

By 

Brenda "MYSHELFDOTCOM" (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness (Audio CD)

This author's idea of being joyful in the Lord doesn't include the false joy we tend to see during Sunday morning hand shaking sessions - stiff jaw, toothy smile, and repetitive "Bless you" breathed more out of habit than belief. _Seven Things That Steal Your Joy_ reveals seven things that steal one's joy, and follows up with seven things to help keep "real" joy in one's life.

Joyce Meyers believes joy is the source of a Christian's strength. It's the balance one needs to be strong and truly happy, setting him or her apart from others. Seeking God's Will instead of one's own is one of the subjects Meyers discusses. She also points out that one doesn't need signs on how to behave as a Christian, because God writes it upon the heart. Obey His word, walk in the spirit, and it will all come naturally. Meyers believes Christians should stop taking themselves so seriously and have a little fun by enjoying life and enjoying their relationship with God.

Meyers' teachings can be very direct - outspoken even -- but never at the expense of others. It took years of trials and tribulations for Joyce to learn the truths she generously shares in this book. Her advice is clear and, more importantly, backed up by scripture -- as the church folks would say: It's an "Amen" or "Oh Me" kind of book.