Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. wrote in her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” “There is just one location where you will not find any form of depression. And that is God’s Presence. Psalm 16:11(NIV) says, ‘You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.’ In the text, the term ‘fullness’ suggests that whatever joy may be compared to, its climax is found where God dwells.”
Joy is different from happiness. Circumstances and external factors determine happiness. It doesn’t last. Think of it as a traveler who passes through a town. In contrast, joy lives with us from the day we are born. It is always present in our hearts.
For some, it is an untapped potential; to others, it’s a well of peace and contentment. Joy doesn’t come and go like happiness. It can co-exist with other emotions such as unhappiness, anger, fear, and sadness. You can feel delighted while experiencing grief, difficulties, etc. It’s an attitude of the human spirit.
When you have joy, it keeps you from going down the rabbit hole of depression. The worst things can happen to you and your heart remains unbroken. Joy is a game-changer, it transforms the darkest situations into blessings and turns pain to gratitude. It gives life meaning.
Let me say this loudly, “True joy is found in God’s presence!” So in your quest to heal your depression, avoid the bars and clubs, cancel the dates and hangouts and stay in God’s presence. Now, this doesn’t mean you only have to be in, “God’s house or the church.” God’s presence is where His Spirit is. So, you can find God’s presence anywhere if you know how to seek Him. But thank God, every believer has God residing inside of them. John 15:4 (KJV) says, “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” God abides in us, and we abide in Him.
Jesus asks us to abide in Him actively and deliberately. He’s saying, “stay in Me, remain, and be joined to Me.” How do we abide or stay in God’s presence where joy overflows? Through fellowship with God in prayer, worship, and study of His Word. When we fellowship with God, one of the fruits we reap from our relationship with Him is incorruptible joy. It’s a fruit of fellowship with the Spirit of God.Galatians 5:22-23 (ERV)says, “But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.”
Staying in God’s presence gives us the ability to rise above any circumstance, it immerses us in God’s joy. Nehemiah 8:10 says, (ERV), “…Don’t be sad, because the joy of the LORD will make you strong.” If you want to live above depression, you must stay in God’s presence.
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.