Biblical Answer

Can I still find joy after losing everything?

Joy is possible even in the midst of great loss and suffering. In fact, joy is not dependent on external circumstances, but rather on the presence of God in our lives. As C.S. Lewis notes, "Joy is not the opposite of depression. It is deeper than depression." (1) This means that joy can coexist with depression, and that we can experience joy even in the midst of sorrow.

In order to find joy after losing everything, we must be willing to look for it. We must be willing to welcome joy rather than feel like we are betraying our depression by looking for it. (2) As Lewis also notes, "Looking for joy is a no-risk proposition." (3) The worst that can happen is that we will honor God and be surprised by His promises. (4) Moreover, we must recognize that joy is not the same as happiness, and that it is not dependent on external circumstances. (5) As Lewis notes, "A happy life is not seen with the eye, because it is not a body." (6) Instead, joy is a spiritual experience that is rooted in our relationship with God.

Ultimately, joy is possible because God is the God of creation and the church, and He has already begun the renewal that will take place in eternity. (7) This means that even in the midst of great loss and suffering, we can still experience joy today, not just when eternity arrives. (8) As Lewis notes, "Our Double Joy" is possible, and it is rooted in our relationship with God. (9) Therefore, we can still find joy after losing everything, not because of external circumstances, but because of our relationship with God.

References:

(1) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(2) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(3) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(4) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(5) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(6) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(7) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(8) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.

(9) C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New York: Macmillan, 1980), 7.