Are you seeking joy or wondering how to find joy when depressed? I’m a doctor who treated patients with depression then fell prey to depression’s grip myself. It was only when I dealt with the spiritual roots of depression that I found true help, hope, and healing. Read more for how I overcame to live a life full of joy.
I don’t know what you’re struggling with. You may be in that phase of life where you are surrounded by dirty diapers. Maybe you’re a parent of teens wondering what inhabited their body and will they ever appreciate you as their parent? Maybe you are recently widowed or divorced and feeling alone and lonely. Maybe you are going through financial stresses. Maybe you have a prodigal child. Maybe you’re a caregiver for an ill spouse or parent.
I don’t know what you are personally going through, but I can tell you I’ve been through several of those scenarios I just listed. I have journeyed through the muck and the mire, and I have experienced that dark night of the soul when I honestly didn’t even know what joy was.
You CAN have joy! Joy is something God promised you. Read more for how.
Do you ever struggle with comparison? Do you ever compare yourself with others and then let it impact how you feel about yourself?
I had the opportunity to speak to a group of mentor leaders. It was such an honor and a privilege. They received me and my message warmly, and I think we all thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
But I have to admit something. As I was sitting there waiting for my opportunity to share what the Lord had put on my heart for them, another speaker was speaking. As the speaker before me spoke, I listened to the words that were being given and I started comparing what the other speaker was sharing with the word I felt like the Lord had given me.
“I want what you have,” she declared as she stared deep into my soul with her searching eyes.
I was a bit taken aback. “Excuse me?” What I really meant was, “What do you mean?”
“You’re always so full of joy. I can see it in your eyes.”
I’ve heard similar sentiments many times over in the last few years, and often it brings me to tears…tears of joy.
Have you ever felt hopeless? Have you ever longed for joy but it seemed just beyond your grasp? Have you ever wondered what role you play in receiving peace, joy, and hope for your daily life? Then let me introduce you to my sweet friend, Lauren Gaskill. Today she shares her testimony of being in that same place, and how she overcame.
