A Prescription for Healing
True joy can lift us out of the depths of depression and give us the power that we need to succeed in losing weight.
What does joy look like? In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, joy denotes a feeling of exuberance and gladness.
Joy was outwardly expressed through singing, shouting and dancing. For example, King David leaped and danced with joy when he returned the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (see 2 Sam. 6:14).
As a fruit of the Spirit, joy resides in the Christian; it is present at all times, regardless of negative circumstances. I have concluded, after much observation, that depression cannot prevail in the person who has a firm understanding of godly joy.
Joy and depression, like light and darkness, are contrary to each other. As such, they cannot coexist. This is not to say that there are no depressed Christians—there are.
But as believers, when we recognize depression is working in us we can make use of the most effective form of therapy. Choosing to experience God’s divine joy should be step one in the treatment plan.
It is important to understand that experiencing joy and feeling happy are not synonymous. Happiness is dependent upon circumstances. Joy, however, relates to agape love; it is unconditional.
If the Spirit of God dwells in us (as He does all Christians), joy is present, even in times of sorrow and despair. Experience teaches us that grief and disappointment are a part of life—they touch the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike.
When faced with adversity, and when the pain from trials and circumstances is severe, according to the Bible, we can still “take heart.”
Keys to Joy
In Scripture, Jesus desired for His disciples to have His joy. This is clear from His statement: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
Our desire is that we experience “complete joy.” To do this we need to grasp the significance of Jesus’ words.
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