Biblical Answer

Pursuing Joy in the Midst of Suffering

Pursuing joy in the midst of suffering is a crucial aspect of coping with depression. Joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather, it is deeper and can coexist with it. As the Bible says, "Joy is the rock, whether depression is present or not, you can stand on joy" (Ps. 126:1-2). It's essential to set out to be an expert in joy, as it's a no-risk proposition. The worst that can happen is that you will honor God, and you may be surprised that he promises you great joy in the midst of suffering (Ps. 126:1-2).

Looking for Joy

To pursue joy, we must be willing to look for it and welcome it into our lives. This requires a mindset shift, as we often feel like we're betraying our depression by looking for joy. However, joy comes from God, and we are freed to take joy in the things he has blessed. Everything good can produce joy, including eating, drinking, working, and relationships (Eccles. 5:18-20). Joy is not just a feeling, but a choice we make. We can choose to focus on the blessings God has given us, even in the midst of suffering. By doing so, we can experience joy and happiness, even in the midst of sorrow.

Making Joy a Priority

In order to make joy a priority, we must be intentional about it. We must create habits and routines that cultivate joy, such as gratitude practices, acts of service, and spending time in nature. We must also be willing to take risks and try new things, even if they make us uncomfortable. As the Bible says, "We make our own purpose. We make our own joy" (Ps. 126:1-2). By taking ownership of our joy, we can create a life of purpose and happiness, even in the midst of suffering. This requires a willingness to look for joy, welcome it into our lives, and make it a priority. By doing so, we can experience the joy that God has promised us, even in the midst of depression.