What does it mean to steal? Webster says the verb form of the word steal means to take another person’s property without permission or legal right and with the intent of not returning it. Still, the Cambridge dictionary says the adjective form of the word steal is to do something quickly without being noticed. At least once or twice in their lives, many people have had things stolen from them, without warning, without notice, and without their permission.
It’s actually against the law to steal. Police Departments all over the US will refer your ordeal to their Robbery Departments for an investigation of the facts and to gather clues in hopes of eventually locating the perpetrator. To be honest with you, I hate for people to take things from me without my permission. It really doesn’t matter what the item is or its value—it’s mine to give or keep and to have it taken from me at someone else’s will—really causes me heartburn and that person will more than likely become an enemy. I may not see it coming, but eventually I’ll realize it’s gone.
The Bible says that the enemy, comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Living each day regretting the next one—is not living at all. How long will we allow our enemy to steal from us, the abundant life God planned for us to have? How long will we allow him to replay our past over and over in our minds, slowly and quietly keeping us bound to what we could not control. But there is hope and there is something we can do!
I recall a Christian song a woman sang about something she valued greatly. It was something that was given to her, and she held it dear to her heart. It wasn’t of any great value to anyone else, but it brought her tremendous peace in times when peace was hard to find. She was referring to her joy. It wasn’t just any kind of joy. The joy she had—came from God and through her relationship with His Son. The point she was trying to make to all who would listen to her song, could do us all a world of good; especially when unfortunate things come our way. She sang about being determined to not allow anything to rob her of the joy she had. After all she knew, the world didn’t give it to her, therefore she refused to let the things of the world, take it away!
What situations or things you face right now, have caused you a great deal of emotional turmoil? What things have people wrongfully taken from you that was not theirs to have? What problem do you face today—that’s seeking to steal your hope for a better tomorrow? If you have identified “Anything” that answers even one of these questions, then it’s time for you to Shake “Yourself” Loose. It’s time to stop letting the enemy use things against you, to steal your joy. Determine in your heart to Shake “Yourself” Loose from the sadness of your loss, from the depression of your lack, and from the baggage of your loneliness and regret. Purpose to take this new opportunity of today—to live an abundant life tomorrow! (Read John 10:10 NLT)
