Seven Things That Steal Your Joy: Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness

by Joyce Meyer

#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.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Religion, Inspirational

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A New York Times bestselling author, Joyce’s books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, Joyce teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences so others can apply what she has learned to their lives.

Joyce’s programs, Enjoying Everyday Life and Everyday Answers with Joyce Meyer, can be seen around the world through television, radio, and the Internet. Joyce has authored more than 100 books, which have been translated into more than 100 languages and over 65 million of her books have been distributed worldwide. She teaches in cities across America as well as internationally. Joyce Meyer Ministries has offices in nine countries.

Joyce’s passion to help hurting people is foundational to the vision of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Hand of Hope provides worldwide humanitarian outreaches such as feeding programs, medical care, orphanages, disaster response, human trafficking intervention and rehabilitation, and much more – always sharing the love and Gospel of Christ.

Her latest book, LIVING A LIFE YOU LOVE, releases Spring 2018.

Hachette Book Group has sold over 30 million copies of Joyce Meyer's books.

Reviews

[Edna Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joyce really defines in this book how "Seven Things That Steal Your Joy and Overcoming the Obstacles to Your Happiness." There are some common things that we don't think about that steal our joy and obstacles that we must overcome to obtain that happiness. In this book, it explains things that steal your joy and the reasons explained with a scripture base message.

If you don't like to read or hear scriptures of what to do about your life, then this book is for you. "Life is not sugar coated," (Edna Stewart) nor is this book. One thing about Joyce's books, the are straight forward in a loving and caring way. As I read this book, I came across some things that I noticed that I was doing wrong or didn't realize that they were obstacles in my life.

This book doesn't leave a person empty handed not knowing what to do, it will guide you all the way. If you want to over come some challengers in your life, take on the "The Seven Things That Steal Your Joy."

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had good, practical advice and tips for how to overcome 7 traps we fall into that rob us of the joy of living. However, I didn't really like the writing style and I found the Biblical citations distracting (instead of just writing the verse, she puts all sort of parentheses explaining the words in there...plus she uses a very different version than the NIV, which I'm used to). But I do admire this woman and her straight-talking approach to life.

[Sherri Moorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful - it gives you a lot to think about. And best of all, she gives suggestions on how to overcome things that threaten to defeat you in your mind.

[Sandra]

Great book! I would read it again!

[Ruby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this in a very tattered package that was supposed to contain some old Harlequin romance novels I had requested from my mother's 1980s collection for a cute craft project. She did NOT send this book! Someone along the way slipped this in and only 3 of the 8 novels that were supposed to be in the package made it to me. I found it quite amusing, thinking someone at the post office was making a judgement and trying to "help" me, but then I tried to read it. It will suck a bit of your joy itself. Amid all of the underlining and comments made by the book's previous owner (who seems to be trying to send me multiple messages, thanks whoever you are) it is just a dry read with scripture and blablabla without real examples or much to make it relevant or easy for the reader to apply to his/her own life. It has some good messages, I'm sure, but it is written like a typical self-help or philosophy book without any real helping. Now where are the rest of those Harlequins?!?

[Cristy McCormick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, but you need to be in a place to want to read it. I found it helpful, however it got very repetitive at times which could be discouraging from continuing on reading the book. Had I not been in a difficult place in my life emotionally, I think this book would have ended up being a DNF and I would have had to come back around and read it at a later date.

[Kelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am sometimes drawn to Joyce Meyer books because she references Joy so much in her books. That’s something I feel like more and more every Christian struggles with. We keep talking about our anxiety or our depression instead of focusing on the joy of life.
This is not a great theological biblical discussion. Joyce is a simple writer, who thrives on practical application. She clearly states for many years she didn’t even enjoy her life. I liked that she brought up how our
Joy can be connected to our expectations. And makes a point to say that the joy the Lord gives is not dependent on natural circumstances.

He alone gives the unwavering joy that can reach over any depression.
And no matter the struggles we all have, Jesus wants us to have joy even in struggles. I love that she called it calm delight. I love that thought. Just calm and ready for anything. However, when I got to chapter five and the second or so sentence down is saying if you obey God you will have a life of ease and life would not be hard or frustrating is horribly inaccurate. Following God is WORTH IT but also hard. The joy he gives in joyless moments is amazing and that’s true, but we must be refined in the fire sometimes as well. Life isn’t always rainbows. But thorns too.
Therefore I do have to take some stars away, because this train of thought is misleading to the Christian life.

[Whitney N Vego · Rating 3 out of 5]

A self-help book about trying to develop the spiritual gift of Joy. Varies between helpful and content that could easily become works-based for a reader. She's also far more name-it-and-claim it than I am. However, there's a lot of practical stuff, a lot of encouragement, and a lot of verbatim Bible passages to reinforce her arguments (usually I thought those were the best chapters.) Chapters tend to be short but they tend to pair off: 2 chapters about what she labels as a joy stealer, then onto the next, and so on. There's also footnotes that lead to additional notes in the back which are usually worth reading.
Most importantly for me though, there were a couple chapters that I think were for where I am in my life right now. I'm glad I read it.

[Nomfundo Ndam]

There are so many things that are assigned to steal the joy of the Lord in the life of a believer and one needs the ability to identify them and take up the armor of God to remain standing and joyful always.

[pianogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book here. I really liked that Joyce read it...b/c I'm so used to her teachings that it would be hard to have someone else convey her points as readily. I have the book as well, and I think I'm going to go back and read it, so I can glean some more goodies from it.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Meyers. Because she makes her points clearly and concisely, she is easy to understand. I have read several of her books in the past, and in each book I found something that pertained to me and helped me in some way, and this book was no different.

[Stephanie Nelson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not only is the Prosperity Gospel she preaches a false gospel, she might also, actually, be the worst writer in the world. Where is this woman's editor? Putting together a proper sentence - and one that makes sense - is not something that occurred in this book.

[Mia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Joyce Meyer! She holds no punches and doesn't make Christians feel bad because they're not perfect. She helps them strive to be the best that they can be, issues and all. I like that in a preacher.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again I emoitional experence..

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

just love it!!!

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyce always provides some comic relief whether it is via her sermon or her books. She also supports her message with things that have happened in her life in addition to providing scripture.

[Brooke Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

VERY very interesting.

[Adrienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to know what steals our joy since most of us are giving too much of ourselves and none in return. I needed to feel good and happy again. Thanks Joyce.

[Weavre]

Stephanie labeled it one of her "all-time favorites," so I figured it must be good. :)

OST NON-FICTION ADULT STK 248.4 MEY

[Jeani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love!!!!

[pianogal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened in audio - now going back to glean more from the reading...

Lots of good stuff in the book. It was good in audio, but it was better (and I'll probably retain more of it) in print form.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked listening to the book. The author read the book herself. The book contained much good advice. I plan on reading/listening to again.

Tom

[Englandjennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for believers who can't seem to find the bright side of their circumstances. I really liked most of this book there were only a few sections I had a difficult time grasping

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

very quick and passing on to a friend

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah Blah Blah - pretty much one book full of Bible citations. Copy & Paste from the Book much? Disappointing...and I'm starting to realize her narrow-mindedness. Oh well...

[Richelle T.]

This was an awesome enlightment, a must read for every one that have obstacles that steal their joy.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joyce's books and her teachings. I like that she talks about her life's experiences and relates them to the teachings of the Word of God.

[Sy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome was not sure I got all of in the first time around so took it in twice and took more notes. Joyce Meyer is a great author and I look forward to the next book.

[Dindin Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love this book... this is my 2nd time to read it.. and as always very inspirational :)

[Michelle Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual another great book from Joyce. This one really helps keep you on the right track of being happy everyday, it is a choice and Joyce tells you how. Amazing book!