Biblical Answer

Joy can be present even when we're feeling anxious. In fact, joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather it's deeper than depression. We can experience both joy and depression at the same time, just like we can experience both rain and a rock at the same time. Depression is like the relentless rain, but joy is the rock that we can stand on, no matter what. According to Psalm 126:1-2, even in the midst of depression, we can honor God and be surprised by the great things He promises us.

When we're feeling anxious, it's easy to get caught up in our circumstances and think that happiness depends on what we have or don't have. But the Bible tells us that joy comes from God, and that He richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17). This means that we can take joy in the things He has blessed us with, even in the midst of anxiety. We can practice joy by doing things that bring us joy, such as eating, drinking, working, and celebrating, even if we're not feeling happy.

In fact, the Bible teaches us that joy is the keynote of all the disciplines (Richard Foster). Joy is not just a feeling, but a choice that we can make, even when we're feeling anxious. We can choose to focus on the good things in our lives, to be grateful for what we have, and to worship God, even in the midst of depression. As the Bible says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6). By choosing to focus on God and His goodness, we can experience joy even when we're feeling anxious.