Defend Your Joy!

"The devil exults when he can extinguish or even impede the devotion and joy brought about by pure prayer or other good works in the heart of God's servant. If the devil takes hold of a servant of God, and if the latter is not wise enough to eliminate this bond as soon as possible by confession, contrition, and satisfaction, it would be very easy for the devil to take the slightest thing and turn it into an even heavier burden."

~St. Francis of Assisi

How do you keep your joy from being stolen? How can you avoid viewing difficulties as tragedies? By confession, contrition, and satisfaction.

Confession: When you sin it is easy to fall into despair. Don't let your sores fester, but go immediately for healing through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. "Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

Contrition: "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18) "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isaiah 57:15)

Satisfaction: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:6-8)