Biblical Answer

The Joy of the Lord

In the midst of illness, it is possible to find joy in life. The Bible teaches that joy is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, and it is not dependent on our circumstances (Ps. 126:1-2). Joy is not the opposite of depression, but rather a deeper and more profound experience that can coexist with it. Just as a rock remains steadfast in the midst of relentless rain, so too can we stand on joy despite the presence of depression.

Pursuing Joy

To find joy in life despite illness, we must be willing to look for it. This requires a willingness to welcome joy rather than feeling like we are betraying our depression by seeking it. Joy is not something that we can use up or exhaust; rather, it increases over time as we add to what we have. This means that the more we pursue joy, the more we will experience it. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Joy is never unprofitable. If you look for it in the right places, you will always find it." (The Weight of Glory, 7)

The Source of Joy

The source of joy is not found in our circumstances, but rather in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we allow Jesus to introduce His joy to us, we experience a joy that is deeper and more profound than anything we could have imagined. This joy is not dependent on our physical health or the absence of suffering, but rather on our trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. As we pursue joy, we must be willing to look to Jesus as the source of our joy, and to trust in His promise to give us a joy that is full and overflowing (John 15:11). This is a joy that we can experience in the midst of suffering, and it is a joy that will ultimately lead us to eternal joy in heaven. (Ps. 16:11)