Joy Isn't Always Guaranteed.

There are alot of depressed people in this world.  It doesn't matter what economic, social, or religious background you come from.  Gender has nothing to do with it either.  Kinda makes you wonder what is wrong with the world nowadays.

I have many friends who are Christian but often find themselves becoming very sad or depressed about things going on in their lives.  I often hear them say things like "I'm following God. Why am I always so unhappy?" or "Weren't we supposed to be granted eternal happiness by turning to this life?" They haven't said these exact words, but that's basically the main idea behind it.

Today I was talking to someone I am really close to.  She is intelligient, funny, brave, and has an amazing relationship with Jesus Christ.  As we were talking about growing up and life in general,  she said this to me "You are going to be a leader among your peers.  Your influence as a Christian is going to make a huge impact on those younger than you, whether it be spiritually or in age.  And I'll be honest with you, sometimes this life is gonna suck, because you have so much expected out of you. But in the end God has an ultimate purpose and you won't be upset and frustrated all the time."

Even as Christians, God never guaranteed us a perfect life on this earth.  Whether we like it or not, we are going to struggle, suffer, hurt, and go through stages of sadness or depression.  There was never anything in our "salvation" contract that said: Oh yeah, if you follow me then you will be happy your entire life.  It just doesn't work like that. We all have emotions and mountains that we will constantly have to climb. 

Some people may say that this is harsh, or think: If God really loved me, he wouldn't want me to suffer. He would want me to be happy all the time and float cloud 9 constantly.  If we were always on that spiritual high, without a care in the world and constantly content, imagine how boring life would be. We would only have one emotion, no one could relate to each other's feelings, and you could not reach out to others because when someone is happy, they figure life is good and they don't need someone like God to influence their lives.  Also, take this into consideration.  God sent his ONE and ONLY son down from heaven to save us from an eternal death in hell. Jesus, the son of God, was perfect.  He did not deserve to feel human emotions or pain, but he suffered nonetheless for everyone who is on this earth, and who will be on this earth in the future.  He was beaten, spit on, bruised, stabbed, ripped apart, and hung on a cross. Yet we complain about whenever we aren't super happy and bouncing off the walls.

God sends His love and joy in subtle bursts. He only allows you to feel his overwhelming joy when you most need it in life.  Sometimes you can find joy just by serving Him.  Normally it doesn't come from earthly things, at least not in a Christian lifestyle.  But for heaven's sake, don't expect to be in a state of eternal bliss all the time! After all God has done for you to nurture and take care of you, that should be enough to have you jumping out of your seat dancing for joy.  Now don't get me wrong. I am guilty of taking my life for granted and the things God has blessed me with. I can admit to that. But the point is, find happiness in the grace he has given you and don't be discouraged when you are unhappy.  That is just a part of human nature, and it never lasts forever.

Job 36:11:

If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.