How To Target And Eliminate Joy Blockers

It’s been raining in the northeast in epic proportions. You might say biblical.

Sometimes the rain is refreshing. Day after day it can be depressing.

Like the rain there may be other circumstances that are out of our control and can drain our energy.

Like difficult relationships.

Have you ever heard “I love you for doing this?”

Or, “I don’t feel loved” from someone who is close to you?

We have two options:

Try harder and continue to be frustrated because we can never fill that bottomless need.

Or, look inward as to why we feel the need to do so.

I’m in process of asking myself why must I feel like I need to fill that person’s love tank?

For me, I was raised to believe my performance determined how I was loved.

When I grew older in my childhood church the same theme continued.

“If” I’m good then I’m worthy to be loved. If I do what is right then Jesus will love me. If I suffer and have no worldly possessions then and only then will I be ‘holy.’

The reality is we are all loved unconditionally, thoroughly, and entirely by God. Period. We’re saved by grace (unearned favor). And God’s mercies are not dependent on our behavior. What!?

It’s hard to believe isn’t it?

I’ve discovered some ways how to love those who set limits on their love.  And have joy despite the insults, demands and unrealistic expectations.

In my recent experience it is caring for elderly parents. You may have a family member who is demanding and harsh.

Because I could find nothing about dealing with my personal circumstance I wanted to share what I’ve learned.

-Decide how much you can help and follow through.

-Do not allow others insults or negative opinions about you determine your identity.

-Give them your help when you are feeling physically well and emotionally strong.

-Talk with others to manage a caregiving plan. And stick with it.

-If you’re empathetic with them make sure you know that guilt and manipulation may be used to get more of your attention.

-A great support system helps alleviate the stress of dealing with overly needy joy blockers.

Sometimes God uses the joy blockers to refine us.

If you’ve had enough of the insults, rudeness and lack of gratitude maybe it’s time to let go and step back.

Only then can we take back our lives by working on our own problem areas and watch God move in others lives.

Here are 3 bridges to receiving God’s unconditional love so that we can pour it back out to others.

1.Believe the scripture to be the true and immutable word of God. If God is faithful then what can man do to you? Psalm 118:6

2.Trust him to work in you and through you to bring about good even in the most difficult situation. Proverbs 3:5&6, Romans 8:28, 29.

3.Receive his love so that you might be free to have the joy he longs for you to have. John 16:24

I’d like to know— what are some ways you’ve learned to remove joy blockers from your life?

“As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul.”

~ Charles Spurgeon