Joy in Suffering

The Nature of Joy and Pleasure

Joy is not the same as pleasure. While pleasure is fleeting and temporary, joy can last a long time and even last forever. Joy is deeper than depression and can be experienced alongside it. Depression is like relentless rain, but joy is like a rock that provides stability and comfort.

Finding Joy in Suffering

In order to find joy, one must be willing to look for it and welcome it. This requires a mindset shift, as some people may feel like looking for joy is a betrayal of their depression. However, joy is not something that can be used up or depleted. It is a gift that can be increased and expanded over time. Jesus Christ is the source of true joy, and His joy can be experienced by those who seek it. As C.S. Lewis said, "Joy is never to be found in the absence of pain." This means that joy can be found in the midst of suffering, and it is often in these difficult times that we discover the greatest joys.

Pursuing Joy in a World that Favors Pleasure

In a world that often prioritizes pleasure and happiness, it can be difficult to pursue joy. However, true happiness comes from joy, not from pleasure. As Lewis noted, "Happiness is nothing more than joy that has been given a name." This means that joy is the foundation of happiness, and it is only when we experience joy that we can truly be happy. To find joy, we must be willing to look beyond the fleeting nature of pleasure and seek the deeper, more lasting joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. By doing so, we can experience a joy that is not dependent on circumstances, but rather on the presence of God in our lives. This joy can bring us peace, comfort, and stability, even in the midst of suffering. As the Bible says, "You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" (Psalm 30:11). This is the kind of joy that we can experience when we seek it in Jesus Christ.