One of my best friends is the proud owner of a Siberian Husky. When I first met the dog I was stunned by his beauty and his size (me and large dogs don't mix very well). As time has gone by I have grown to love him and I've realized that he is nothing but a mush.

Now, despite how much I love this furry creature, I cannot imagine handing him my new computer to play with. As much as I love him, I do not see myself handing him any of my prized possessions, as it is clear that they would be ruined in the blink of an eye. I think many would agree with my reasoning, yet how often do we not apply this reasoning with very different yet far more important aspects of our lives.

Peace and Joy. The Word tells us that these are both emotions bestowed upon us by God. A psalmist described being filled with a greater joy by God (Psalm 4:7). Paul described to the church of Philippians the peace of God that goes beyond anything we could ever imagine and understand! (Phil 4:7)Yet, we allow people to come and take them away from us. This can be that pessimist that always strikes down or dismisses your plans or ideas. It can be a family member or friend that continuously betrays or hurts you without even realizing it. It can even be that person that you've given your heart to yet they have failed you and wounded your heart. In the end, whether by large deed or small, it is that person that steals the peace and joy our heavenly father has given you.

This verse exhorts us to not give something precious to something that cannot value it for what it is. That is what our hearts, and our lives of peace and joy are! They are precious things that need to be valued. Painfully enough, the people that steal these things from us are not strangers. They are people that we love. For a while I was a part of a very difficult friendship, to say the least. I knew that this person was stealing my peace and joy and hurting my heart, but I also knew that I could not walk away and ignore her. Reading the Word, I came across this verse and I realized that I didn't have to walk away. I did not have to stop loving her.  Rather, I loved her all the more. What I had to do was to realize where I had to draw the line. Just as I refuse to give my prized possessions to my friends dog, I refuse to allow anyone or anything to steal that which my Father has given me. I prayed for her with all my heart. I showed her the love God had given me for her but I did not allow her to further damage my heart.

Beloved friend, I pray that in this very moment or in moments that will come, if there is anyone or anything that steals your peace or joy or even hurts your heart, that you may not give them what the Lord has given you! Yet I pray you love them and pray for them with all your strength and all your might. That through you, they may see the love of our Loving God.

In His Love
<>< - Natalie Mercedes - <><