Biblical Answer

Yes, You Can Still Find Joy in Life If You're No Longer the Same Person

Joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather a deeper experience that can coexist with it. Depression is like relentless rain, while joy is like a rock that stands firm. According to Scripture, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and it is possible to experience both joy and depression simultaneously. In fact, joy can even increase over time as you add to what you have (Ps. 126:1-2). Therefore, it is essential to resist the idea that you can't find joy in life if you're no longer the same person. Instead, focus on becoming an expert in joy, and welcome it into your life.

The Source and Focus of Joy

Scripture teaches that the source and focus of every joy is ultimately God. Joy is not self-centered, but it's also not merely other-centered. Rather, it's a fruit of the Holy Spirit that grows within us as we deepen our relationship with God. When we look to Jesus, we can experience joy that lasts a very long time and even lasts forever. We can say, "This is exactly what I needed," and be strengthened and changed by it (Ps. 126:1-2). True joy is not found in external circumstances, but in the delight in God's supreme beauty, goodness, and truth.

Finding Joy in the Midst of Suffering

While it's true that suffering can bring us to the precipice, it can also lead us to treasures that non-attachment cannot find. Joy is possible, even in the midst of suffering, when we look to Jesus and appreciate the beauty of his sacrifice. In fact, obeying God always results in joy, and disobeying always destroys it (Ps. 126:1-2). Therefore, we can choose to become an expert in joy and find happiness in the midst of suffering. As we put the happiness of others ahead of our own, we can discover our own happiness and experience joy that permeates all levels of life. Joy is spiritual, while pleasure is physical or mental, and it's always possible when we look to Jesus and appreciate his beauty.