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Your Question:
Can I still find joy in life with a terminal illness?
Answer:
**Embracing Joy in the Face of Terminal Illness** **Understanding Joy and Depression** It's essential to recognize that joy and depression are not mutually exclusive. Depression can be a relentless rain, but joy is a rock that stands firm, regardless of the presence of depression. As someone facing a terminal illness, it's crucial to understand that you can experience both joy and depression simultaneously. The Bible promises us that we can find joy even in the midst of suffering (Ps. 126:1-2). This is not a denial of the pain, but rather an acknowledgment that God's presence and joy can coexist with our struggles. **Seeking Joy in the Midst of Suffering** To find joy in the face of a terminal illness, it's essential to seek it out. You must be willing to welcome joy and not feel like you're betraying your depression by looking for it. It's a no-risk proposition, and the worst that can happen is that you'll honor God. As you consider seeking joy, don't be discouraged if it's elusive at first. It takes time and practice to develop a joyful heart. Remember that joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather a deeper and more profound experience that can coexist with it. **Overcoming Barriers to Joy** There are several barriers and risks that can make it difficult to pursue joy, including depression's tendency toward passivity. However, Scripture guarantees that if you seek the Lord, He will insert faith into your heart (Romans 10:17). You must do battle with depression's tendencies and actively seek joy. This requires a willingness to look for joy, welcome it, and cultivate it in your life. As you do so, remember that joy is not something you can use up, and it increases over time as you add to what you have. By seeking joy and embracing it, you can find peace, gladness, and even taste something of joy in the midst of sorrow.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
true sexual morality
daniel heimbach
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
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