Biblical Answer

Finding Joy in the Simple Things in Life

When we're feeling stuck, it can be challenging to find joy in the simple things in life. Our desires and attachments can lead us to focus on what's lacking, rather than what we already have. However, as the Bible teaches, true happiness comes from joy, not from pleasure. Pleasure is fleeting and can even lead to malignant sadness. Joy, on the other hand, is a deeper and more abiding experience that can coexist with depression.

To find joy in the simple things, we must be willing to look for it. This means welcoming joy rather than feeling like we're betraying our depression by seeking it. Joy is not the opposite of depression; it's a rock that can stand firm even in the midst of relentless rain. We can experience both joy and depression at the same time. As we learn to cultivate joy, we'll discover that it never turns away from us and can increase over time as we add to what we have. This means we can never use joy up, and it actually grows as we focus on the good things in our lives.

As Christians, we're reminded that joy comes from God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. This includes simple things like eating, drinking, and working. By focusing on what God has blessed us with, we can take joy in the present moment, rather than waiting for some future time when our circumstances will change. As the Bible says, "God has already begun the renewal that will take place, so there are opportunities for joy today, not just when eternity arrives." By introducing Jesus Christ into our lives, we can experience His joy, which becomes our own as we learn to abide in Him. As we do, we'll find that living a full and overflowing life doesn't rest in bodily health, circumstances, or seeing God's work succeed, but in the joy that comes from Him.