Biblical Answer

Joy in the Simple Things: A Biblical Perspective

When we're feeling stuck, it's easy to get caught up in our desires and emotions, striving for something more, but forgetting to appreciate what we already have. However, the Bible teaches us that joy is not just a feeling, but a choice we can make, even in the midst of suffering. In fact, the Bible says that "joy is not the opposite of depression, it is deeper than depression" (emphasis added). This means that we can experience both joy and depression at the same time, and that joy is not something that turns away from us, but rather abides and grows over time.

The Bible also reminds us that joy is not just something we find in big, grand experiences, but in the simple things in life. For example, the Bible says that everything good can produce joy, including eating, drinking, and working (Eccles. 5:18-20). This means that we can find joy in the everyday moments, like enjoying a beautiful sunset, spending time with loved ones, or finding joy in our work. However, this requires us to be willing to look for joy, to welcome it into our lives, rather than feeling like we're betraying our depression by looking for it. As the Bible says, "you must be willing to welcome joy rather than feel like you are betraying your depression by looking for it" (emphasis added).

Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that true joy comes from God, and that it is a gift that we can receive when we put our trust in Him. When we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ, we can experience His joy, which is a joy that is deeper and more satisfying than any human experience. As the Bible says, "Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God's work succeed, but in knowing Jesus Christ" (emphasis added). So, when we're feeling stuck, let's remember that joy is not just something we find, but something we can choose, and that it's available to us, even in the midst of suffering, when we put our trust in God.