Biblical Answer

Can I Still Find Joy in Life When Everything Seems to Be Falling Apart?

When everything seems to be falling apart, it can be challenging to find joy in life. However, the Bible teaches us that joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather a deeper and more enduring experience that can coexist with depression. Joy is like a rock that stands firm amidst the relentless rain of depression.

To find joy in such circumstances, we must be willing to look for it and welcome it into our lives. This requires a deliberate effort to seek out joy, even when it feels like a betrayal of our depression. The Bible encourages us to become experts in joy, as it is a no-risk proposition that honors God (Ps. 126:1-2). Joy is not something we can use up; instead, it grows over time as we add to what we have. It is a treasure that is worth pursuing, even in the midst of suffering.

In fact, the Bible suggests that joy is a defining feature of a life organized around God. It is not the fleeting happiness of an emotional high but a quiet confidence that comes from knowing God. True happiness comes from joy, not from pleasure, and it is always far better than pleasure. Therefore, even when everything seems to be falling apart, we can still find joy in life by seeking it out, welcoming it, and trusting in the promise of God that He will renew and restore us (Romans 8:28). By doing so, we can experience the double joy of living in the present moment, even in the midst of suffering, and anticipating the greater joy that is to come in eternity.