The world tells us that having a good job, owning your own business, money, fame, and influence are all important for a successful life. If we don’t have them, we feel like a failure. But even when we achieve them, we still end up unhappy, unfulfilled, or lonely. God wants us to be successful, but His definition of success is not the same as the world's definition. The truth is, God’s way of achieving the dreams and desires that truly fulfill us and bring genuine joy to our lives is very different—and that is what we need.

We’re never going to be able to prevent people from saying or doing things that hurt our feelings. We will always have opportunities to get offended. But if we do things God’s way, we can choose to save ourselves a lot of misery and hardship. This doesn’t mean we allow people to abuse us. No, there is a time for confronting people and dealing with situations. However, the Bible commands us to love our enemies and forgive those who have wronged us, even when it feels impossible.

God has given you gifts so you can fulfill his purpose for your life, but if you're like a lot of people, you may not have recognized your talents yet. Start asking God to show you something special about the way he's made you.

Joy is not just a "happy feeling" based on circumstances or on things you possess—it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that empowers you to remain stable and persevere through hard times so you rise above them, rather than becoming defeated by them. One of the hallmarks of Paul’s epistles is the joy with which he writes and which he invites his listeners to experience also. He chose joy in all circumstances, even during times of struggle.

Worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and feelings of condemnation: all these are attacks on the mind. Joyce Meyer has helped millions win these all-important battles. In her most popular bestseller ever, the beloved author and minister shows listeners how to change their lives by changing their minds. She teaches how to deal with thousands of thoughts that people think every day and how to focus the mind the way God thinks. And she shares the trials, tragedies, and ultimate victories from her own marriage, family, and ministry that led her to wondrous, life-transforming truth.