Biblical Answer

The Elusiveness of Joy

Joy can be elusive, especially when we're feeling hopeless. It takes time and practice to cultivate joy, and it's not uncommon for joy to be overshadowed by depression. However, joy is not the opposite of depression; it's deeper than depression. We can experience both joy and depression simultaneously, and joy can be a rock that helps us stand firm in the midst of suffering.

The Source of Joy

The source of joy is God. When we recognize that joy comes from Him, we're freed to take joy in the things He has blessed. We can find joy in creation, in relationships, and in the Spirit working within us. Joy is not something we manufacture on our own; it's a gift from God that we can receive and experience. When we're feeling hopeless, it's essential to acknowledge that our hopelessness is sin and to return to the cross, appreciating the beauty of what Jesus did.

Cultivating Joy

To cultivate joy, we need to be willing to look for it, even in the midst of suffering. We must be willing to welcome joy rather than feel like we're betraying our depression. Joy is not a risk-free proposition, but it's a no-risk proposition in the sense that the worst that can happen is that we'll honor God. We can start by considering our present hopelessness as sin and returning to the cross. We can also look for joy in creation, in relationships, and in the Spirit working within us. By doing so, we can experience joy even in the midst of depression. As the psalmist said, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and he set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure" (Psalm 40:1-2). Joy is possible, even in the midst of suffering. We can choose to become experts in joy and experience it for ourselves.