THE THINGS THAT TAKE AWAY THE JOY OF SALVATION
Apostle and Spiritual Leader – Noel Kapinga
Beloved, the joy of salvation is a gift from God. It is that inner peace, that divine gladness, which strengthens us to walk with confidence before our Creator. But there are things that can cause this joy to fade away from the heart of a believer.
First, sin steals joy. When a man or woman sins before God, confidence before the throne of grace disappears. Sin separates us from God, and when fellowship is broken, joy departs.
Second, a wounded heart loses joy. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. A heart full of pain, bitterness, or unresolved wounds cannot hold on to the gladness of salvation.
Third, joy can be lost through careless listening—when we open our ears to wrong voices, ungodly influences, or teachings that do not edify, our spiritual joy begins to slip away.
Fourth, delayed expectations can weigh us down. The Scripture says in Proverbs 3:30, “Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.” When what we hoped for tarries, discouragement creeps in, and if we are not careful, joy is replaced by heaviness.
Finally, a spirit of heaviness in decision-making can quench joy. When the heart is burdened and troubled, joy cannot freely flow.
SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE LOST THE JOY OF SALVATION
How then can you know if the joy of salvation is no longer alive within you?
First, you begin to serve God with negligence. Where once you served with fire and faithfulness, now you do it carelessly, without zeal, without faith, without commitment—whether in pastoring, ministry, or any calling God has given you.
Second, you begin to embrace falsehood. A lying spirit takes root. The Bible says in Isaiah 28:15, “We have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.” When truth departs from your life, it is a sign that the joy of salvation is missing.
Third, there will be a lack of gratitude. Instead of thanksgiving, you become a complainer. Instead of seeing God’s goodness, you see only the faults in others. Instead of counting blessings, you count the wrongs of people around you. That, beloved, is a clear indication that joy has been lost.
The joy of salvation is precious. It is the oil that keeps the lamp of our faith burning. Let us guard it, cherish it, and walk in obedience so that the light of Christ will never grow dim within us.