I've been reading today about how we are to be at peace and full of joy as Christians. Well, my question is this - how do you find God's peace & joy when your life is full of suffering? Sure there are good things to focus on too, but how do you get beyond depression when life is just getting you down?
2007-12-15 10:45:25 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is a road to travel to get to a more stable time of peace and joy that has many trials and tribulations along the way. It is the times of "depression" when we are stripped of our superficial joys that are not deep or abiding and as God strips us of the dross, He then brings that joy that when once it has has been experienced even if its for a brief time, one can say it truly is a peace "that passes understanding" It is a joy that comforts and sustains even in when the tears flow. Its not a fleeting happiness but a deep strong secure comfort that God, our God, loves us and cares for us, and will indeed work all things out for our good and a sure confidence that one day that joy and peace will be full and nothing will ever diminish it again.
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
2007-12-15 10:59:26 · answer #1 · answered by beek 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Simply being a Christian does not make life any less painful. In fact, it only makes life harder. However, to some people it is worth to go through greater suffering than others, so they can have everlasting life. If cannot handle the pain and suffering, Christianity may not be for you. Whoever said Christians are supposed to be at peace and full of joy are either foolish, ignorant, or a liar.
2007-12-15 11:18:46 · answer #2 · answered by r0k3rDuD3 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It can be so difficult, especially during depression. That is when you really need the Holy Spirit to come into your life and give you that joy and peace that you need. Every happy moment that I have experienced is only because God has given me the joy to keep going. I don't know how many times I wanted to quit living, but deep down I had hope. You really have to call out to Jesus (sometimes constantly) to be filled with joy, otherwise it is fake and will not get you through.
2007-12-15 10:50:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Practice and prayer. The key to build up your connection to God when things are going well, to focus on patterns of love. When challenges arise you can fall back on your patterns of faith, love and prayer. Once you get through the challenges you will find that you have grown in some way, which is why they are offered, not as a punishment but as a stepping stone to a better relationship with God.
2007-12-15 11:01:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My life is filled with suffering, dear one, because I'm human. I get beyond depression by keeping focused on Christ. We are getting ready to celebrate His birthday. What greater joy could there be! It's about Him, not us.
God bless!
2007-12-15 11:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by Devoted1 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is usually during the darkest moments of my life that I experience His comfort and peace the most. James 1 v.2 has always meant a lot to me.
2007-12-15 10:51:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Someone else always has it worse. Sure, I may be having a bad day, but ultimately I'll sleep in a bed that night, eat until I am full and wear clothes to keep me warm. I really can't complain about not having a new iPod or lobster to eat when there are so many people who are worse off.
2007-12-15 10:52:19 · answer #7 · answered by just wants to know 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
This life is full of trials. God wants us to focus on him and he will always pull you through. Read the word in the Bible. We will have many sufferings because God suffered for us to save us because we are sinners. This life is to learn and to grow closer into the Lord. If we had no suffering then we wouldn't need Jesus. In this life we NEED Jesus to be in his glory and to live the way he wants us to. We are all children in his eyes and we have a lot of growing up with the Lord. We are are down and out the Lord wants us to go to him. You should read the Bible to understand Jesus and get to have a close relationship with him.
I have many trials and the Lord has always been provided and gave me many blessings. I believe in Jesus 100% and have full faith in him. I have such a close relationship with him and he is my #1. We belong to him and I am a proud Christian and honored that I am one of his children. When I go through my depressions I listen to my worship music and pray a lot and I pray throughout the day. Then I think about the positive, What God has done for me and how far I have become in my life. I think about the wonderful people he put in my life and my daughter of course. Yes I get very lonely because I am a single parent but I know God has a future for me with a good man. I feel it in my heart. There is not a day that goes by that I am down but God always lifts me up with confidence. We get the doubt because the enemy does that it is not God. That what the devil does. Takes away and steals and destroys. Face it, This is life and this is all a learning experiance
2007-12-15 10:59:31 · answer #8 · answered by conny 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
There aren't any easy answers. Don't forget to first tell Jesus about what's on your mind. He knows and He cares. Also remember to read your New Testament, and the Psalms, taking note of those whose circumstances may mirror yours. Good gospel music has helped people, including me, when life seems to get me down, too. May the Lord bless you and meet all your needs during this time.
2007-12-15 10:51:59 · answer #9 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can realize that feeling depressed about it helps noone except your own self indulgence. Go out and do something to make the world a better place. Do some charity work. Then you will not only feel great about helping other people but you will realize just how great your life really is.
2007-12-15 10:51:06 · answer #10 · answered by cadisneygirl 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋