Anyone, even the most committed Christians, can experience times of sadness and feeling "down in the dumps." The Bible gives lots of examples of these feelings. Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:11). David asked God to take him somewhere else so he wouldn't have to deal with reality (Psalm 55:6-8). Elijah, even though God had just sent down fire from heaven to help him defeat 450 false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:16-46), ran away into the desert and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).
Talk about a rough time. So how do we move on and find joy when hardship comes? Even through depression and difficult circumstances, these men made efforts to trust God to overcome their sorrow. Job is encouraged to pray and remember how blessed we are; God will bring joy and righteousness into our lives again (Job 33:26). David wrote that studying the Bible can bring us joy (Psalm 19:8). He also learned that he needed to praise God even in the midst of despair (Psalm 42:5).
You see, even when bad things happen, God's character doesn't change. He loves, has mercy, and forgives. He won't backstab, lie, or hurt. And that makes Him an incredible source of encouragement in times of trouble. He will always be there for you. It's like the song by Casting Crowns, Praise You in This Storm: "You are who you are, no matter where I am." Keep that in mind whenever you're in a storm of your own.
"And [Jesus] said to his disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!''" —Luke 12:22-24
While we aren't guaranteed an easy life, we are guaranteed God's love and help—and that help sometimes comes through the actions of others (1 John 4:9-10; Psalm 72:12). It's so important to have a support group around us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We aren't meant to live life alone.
Loved ones can listen to us, pray for us, and offer assistance or guidance if they've been through something similar. For Elijah, God allowed him to rest and then sent Elisha to help him out (1 Kings 19:19-21). God has also gifted professionals who can offer therapy, medication, and practical advice.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." —1 John 1:9
Dwelling on past experiences, our hurts, our problems, or ourselves will never bring us true joy. If there's something between you and God, ask Him for forgiveness, then forgive yourself as well. There's no need to dwell on the issue or punish yourself for making mistakes.
Psalm 103:12 says, "as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." We can bury ourselves in our possessions, work, or human relationships, but only our relationship with Jesus will bring us real joy (John 10:10).
Nothing this world can offer will bring you joy like God can. Knowing God will help you understand yourself and glorify Him (Philippians 3:3). Deepen your relationship by reading His Word, talking to Him, and relying on His guidance through the Holy Spirit.
In John 15:1-11, Jesus talks about how, when we walk with Him and grow our faith, we stay connected to Him and our Heavenly Father. He ends by saying, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete" (v. 11).
"And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit..." —1 Thessalonians 1:6
God is the only true source of all joy (Psalm 51:11-12; Galatians 5:22). God's way is the best way—even if we don't understand it (Proverbs 3:5-6). If you're doing your best to live a life that follows Jesus' teachings, even when bad things happen, you can find contentment where you are.
"Happiness" isn't guaranteed—not in the sense that we understand it. To say that life is all sugar and red roses would be an awful lie. But the more we look for other paths to happiness, the more miserable we'll become. Happiness is temporary. Joy lasts. And God's way is only way that leads to true joy.
Find comfort and joy in the presence of Jesus, and look for Him in His Word and through prayer. Express gratitude to God for your blessings. Turn to God and seek support when you're feeling down. Trust in His sovereignty and allow Him to bring joy into your life—no matter the circumstances.
"So try this. The next time a sunrise steals your breath...or a meadow of flowers leaves you speechless...remain that way. Listen as heaven whispers, 'Do you like it? I did it just for you.' He could have left the world flat and gray, but he didn't. He splashed orange in the sunrise, and cast the sky blue. Did he have to make the squirrel's tail furry? Was he obliged to make the birds sing? And the funny way that chickens scurry. Or the majesty of thunder when it rings? Why give a flower fragrance? Why give food its taste? Could it be, he loves to see that look on your face?" — Max Lucado
Dwelling on past experiences, our hurts, our problems, or ourselves will never make us happy. Ask for God's forgiveness, then forgive yourself as well. You might be temporarily happy from possessions, things or people, but happiness is not the same thing as joy. God is the true source of all joy (Psalm 51:11-12; Galatians 5:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). Christ is the center of real joy. If you live a life that follows Jesus' teachings, even when bad things happen, you will be content where you are.
Jenny is a college student who loves God and loves people! She is a major dog person, plays 3 instruments, and sings. She’s also a hardcore coffee enthusiast. Her favorite verse is Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
