Biblical Answer

Can our daily choices bring joy to others when we're feeling anxious when we're feeling stuck?

The Bible teaches that joy is a choice, not a feeling. It is possible to experience joy even when we are feeling anxious or stuck. In fact, joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather it is deeper than depression. Joy is the rock that stands firm, even in the midst of relentless rain (Psalm 126:1-2). This means that we can choose to focus on joy, even when our circumstances are difficult. We can choose to stand on joy, rather than allowing our anxiety to consume us.

When we choose to focus on joy, we can bring joy to others. As the Bible says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). When we are joyful, we are more likely to be a blessing to others. We are more likely to be kind, compassionate, and understanding. We are more likely to be a source of encouragement and hope to those around us. This is because joy is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day. We can choose to focus on the things that bring us joy, even when we are feeling anxious or stuck.

In order to bring joy to others, we must first cultivate joy in our own lives. This means that we must learn to stand on joy, even when our circumstances are difficult. We must learn to focus on the things that bring us joy, rather than allowing our anxiety to consume us. As the Bible says, "You will show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). When we choose to focus on joy, we can bring joy to others, and we can experience the fullness of joy that God has promised to us. We can be a source of encouragement and hope to those around us, and we can be a blessing to those who are feeling anxious or stuck.