i was discussing this some at GNC and wanted some input here:
Can one have the Joy of the Spirit and suffer from depression at the same time?
Yes, I absolutely think so. I suffered from deep depression for 10 years. I still struggle off and on with some residual stuff. I figure I always will as I think that the predisposition is probably genetic but I think that people can overcome just as some may be predisposed to being overweight etc. and can overcome.
The joy of the spirit is an abiding hope separate and apart from happiness/depression in life.
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Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the people doing it. ~Chinese Proverb
When I was young and clever, I wanted to change the world. Now that I am older and wiser, I strive to change myself. ~
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Psa 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
1Pe 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
i was discussing this some at GNC and wanted some input here:
Can one have the Joy of the Spirit and suffer from depression at the same time?
Joy does not necessarily equate with happiness. You can have deep settled joy and peace and yet have "times" of feeling very unhappy.
Depression and unhappiness are not necessarily one and the same thing either.
So if you're talking about "depression" vs. feelings of unhappiness or "down" that are temporary and fleeting then I don't think you have the joy that comes as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Feelings come and go and so we have our happy and unhappy times. Even when we're temporarily unhappy because of a circumstance or event that caused the unhappiness you can still have "JOY" in its biblical definition. But I don't believe you can be "DEPRESSED" as we usually think of it and be filled with "JOY" at the same time.
My 2 cents .........
__________________ Smiles & Blessings.... ~Felicity Welsh~ (surname courtesy of Jim Yohe)
Joy does not necessarily equate with happiness. You can have deep settled joy and peace and yet have "times" of feeling very unhappy.
Depression and unhappiness are not necessarily one and the same thing either.
So if you're talking about "depression" vs. feelings of unhappiness or "down" that are temporary and fleeting then I don't think you have the joy that comes as a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Feelings come and go and so we have our happy and unhappy times. Even when we're temporarily unhappy because of a circumstance or event that caused the unhappiness you can still of "JOY". But I don't believe you can be "DEPRESSED" as we usually think of it and be filled with "JOY" at the same time.
My 2 cents .........
Agreed.
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Master of Science in Applied Disgruntled Religious Theorist Wrangling
PhD in Petulant Tantrum Quelling
Dean of the School of Hard Knocks
Linear Mode
