#522: "Can't Steal My Joy” by Josiah Queen

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Have you ever felt like your joy was slipping away — stolen by circumstances, injustice, or waiting for God to move?

Josiah Queen’s song “Can’t Steal My Joy” declares a deeper truth: the joy God gives isn’t tied to what’s happening around us, and the world can’t take away what it didn’t give.

This week on More Than a Song, we’re exploring the book of Habakkuk — a short but powerful conversation between a prophet and God about violence, injustice, confusion, and ultimately, unwavering trust. As we follow Habakkuk’s journey from questioning to rejoicing, we’ll discover how to choose joy even in seasons that don’t make sense.

Key Points

• Joy given by God is not dependent on our circumstances — it’s untouchable and unshakable.
• Habakkuk wrestled with the same tension we often feel: what we see in the world versus what we know about God’s character.
• Even in seasons of waiting, confusion, or suffering, we can choose to rejoice in the God of our salvation.
• Honest dialogue with God is not only allowed but modeled by Habakkuk.
• Faith is the dividing line between the proud who trust in themselves and the righteous who trust in God.

Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used

• Read in context – Read the entire book of Habakkuk (it’s only three chapters!).
• Repetition – Read or listen to the book multiple times to deepen understanding.
• Read in various translations – Compare language choices in different versions.
• Consult an overview – Watch the Bible Project video on Habakkuk.
• Make observations – Look for patterns, dialogue, and themes.
• Compare and contrast – Examine the difference between the proud and the righteous.
• Follow cross-references – Explore how Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted in the New Testament.

Additional Resources

• Download the free Episode Guide
• Lyrics for Can't Steal My Joy by Josiah Queen – NewReleaseToday.com
• Old Testament Overview of Habakkuk - BibleProject.com
• CCM Magazine Article
• Exalting Jesus in Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) - Amazon Paid Link
• Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link

This Week's Challenge

Read and listen to Habakkuk on repeat. Write down your observations and then watch the Bible Project overview video about Habakkuk. Write down your own questions for God and ask Him to reveal His answers. In the meantime, write out your own prayer in the pattern of Habakkuk’s song in chapter three. Be sure to include the choice to be joyful in the God of your salvation.

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