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Question: "How can I experience joy in my Christian life?”
Answer: Periods of sadness and depression can enter into the life of even the most devout of Christians. We see many examples of this in the Bible. Job wished that he had never been born (Job 3:11). David prayed to be taken away to a place where he wouldn't have to deal with reality (Psalm 55:6-8). Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from Heaven (1 Kings 18:16-46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).
So how can we overcome these periods of joylessness? We can see how these same people overcame their bouts of depression. Job said that, if we pray and remember our blessings, God will restore us to joy and righteousness (Job 33:26).
David wrote that the study of God's Word can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). David also realized that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair (Psalm 42:5). In Elijah's case, God let him rest for a time and then sent a man, Elisha, to attend to him (1 Kings 19:19-21).
We today also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Try sharing how you are feeling with a fellow Christian that you look up to. You may be surprised to find that they have struggled with the some of the same things that you are going through.
Finally, remember that it's only through God's Holy Spirit that we can find true joy (Psalm 51:11-12, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can do nothing apart from the power of God (2 Corinthians 12:10, 13:4). Indeed, the harder we try to be joyful through our own devices, the more miserable we can become. Don't force it, but try just to rest in the Lord's arms (Matthew 11:28-30) and seek His face through prayer and Scripture.
My prayer for you is found in Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Recommended Resource: Laugh Again, Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles Swindoll.
Bible Questions Answered
Answer: Periods of sadness and depression can enter into the life of even the most devout of Christians. We see many examples of this in the Bible. Job wished that he had never been born (Job 3:11). David prayed to be taken away to a place where he wouldn't have to deal with reality (Psalm 55:6-8). Elijah, even after defeating 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from Heaven (1 Kings 18:16-46), fled into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).
So how can we overcome these periods of joylessness? We can see how these same people overcame their bouts of depression. Job said that, if we pray and remember our blessings, God will restore us to joy and righteousness (Job 33:26).
David wrote that the study of God's Word can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). David also realized that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair (Psalm 42:5). In Elijah's case, God let him rest for a time and then sent a man, Elisha, to attend to him (1 Kings 19:19-21).
We today also need friends that we can share our hurts and pains with (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Try sharing how you are feeling with a fellow Christian that you look up to. You may be surprised to find that they have struggled with the some of the same things that you are going through.
Finally, remember that it's only through God's Holy Spirit that we can find true joy (Psalm 51:11-12, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 1:6). We can do nothing apart from the power of God (2 Corinthians 12:10, 13:4). Indeed, the harder we try to be joyful through our own devices, the more miserable we can become. Don't force it, but try just to rest in the Lord's arms (Matthew 11:28-30) and seek His face through prayer and Scripture.
My prayer for you is found in Romans 15:13: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Recommended Resource: Laugh Again, Experience Outrageous Joy by Charles Swindoll.
Bible Questions Answered
