Sometimes this fallen world we live in makes us “unhappy”. Notice the choice of words, “unhappy”, not “depressed”, or “joylessness”. There is a difference, we may need a refresher on our words. Let’s begin with “joy”. Joy is not found in the circumstances that we are mired in. Joy is found at the level of the soul. It is found, for those of us who believe, in the person of the Lord Jesus. Next, “depression” should be understood in the clinical sense and not in feelings. Depression is an ongoing psychosis in which needs specific treatment, with therapy.
However, “unhappiness” is all about circumstance. We are constantly having our circumstances change. This is where we as believers have an opportunity to shine and show forth the Lord in our lives. In the book of Acts we see believers under great persecution. It is here where the rest of the world looks in to the church to see what we are made of. They need to see us strong in the face of circumstances that they would be overwhelmed by. It used to be that the world looked to the church as a pillar of grace and truth. In the last few years the church has fallen for the idea that we should claim victim status when we have trouble. The world needs to see us, not as the victim, but as the victor. We have overcome the world by the blood of the Lamb. It is high time we remember the calling by which you have been called. We must push back against the urge to be “unhappy” with our circumstances.
Scripture tells us this in 1 John 5:4, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
God Bless and Stay Positive!
The Positive Pastor 