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Your Question:
How do we find joy in everyday moments when we're feeling hopeless?
Answer:
**The Elusiveness of Joy in Everyday Moments** Joy can be elusive, especially in moments of hopelessness. However, it's essential to remember that joy is not the opposite of depression; it's deeper than depression. This means that you can experience both depression and joy simultaneously. Joy is like a rock that stands firm, while depression is like relentless rain. To find joy, you must be willing to look for it and welcome it into your life, even if it feels like a betrayal to your depression. **Barriers and Risks to Pursuing Joy** There are barriers and risks that can make it difficult to pursue joy, particularly in moments of hopelessness. Depression can be a familiar companion, and striving, desire, and deep attachment can lead us to the precipice. However, these same things can also bring us to treasures that non-attachment cannot find. To overcome these barriers, it's crucial to acknowledge that you were wrong in thinking that there was no beauty in God or anything else. Confess your mistakes and start with a humble attitude, recognizing that God promises great joy in the midst of suffering. **Finding Joy in Everyday Moments** To find joy in everyday moments, consider the following steps: 1. **Identify your greatest pleasures**: Reflect on what brings you the greatest pleasure and excitement. What are your dreams, and how would you like to be remembered? 2. **Be an expert in joy**: Set out to be an expert in joy, even in the midst of depression. This is a no-risk proposition, and the worst that can happen is that you will honor God. 3. **Look for joy**: Be willing to look for joy and welcome it into your life, even if it feels like a betrayal to your depression. 4. **Confess and acknowledge**: Acknowledge that you were wrong in thinking that there was no beauty in God or anything else. Confess your mistakes and start with a humble attitude. By following these steps, you can find joy in everyday moments, even in the midst of hopelessness. Remember that joy is deeper than depression, and it's essential to look for it and welcome it into your life. With a humble attitude and a willingness to confess your mistakes, you can overcome the barriers and risks that prevent you from pursuing joy.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch
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