Christian Depression and Joy
While writing the first draft of this book, I called my eighty-five-year-old father and said, "Daddy, I am writing a book on how to fight for joy. What one thing comes to your mind from sixty years of ministry as to what Christians could do to increase their joy?"Almost without hesitation he said, "Share their faith."
Joy in Christ thrives on being shared. That is the essence of Christian joy: It overflows or dies.
Millions of Christians live with a low-grade feeling of guilt for not openly commending Christ by their words. They try to persuade themselves that keeping their noses morally clean is a witness to Christ. The problem with this notion is that millions of unbelievers keep their noses morally clean.
Christian will-and should-continue to feel bad for not sharing their faith. Christ is the most glorious Person in the world. His salvation is infinitely valuable. Everyone in the world needs it. Horrific consequences await those who do not believe on Jesus.
By grace alone we have seen him, believed on him, and now love him.
Therefore, not to speak of Christ to unbelievers, and not to care about our city or the unreached peoples of the world is so contradictory to Christ's worth, people's plight, and our joy that it sends the quiet message to our souls day after day: This Saviour and this salvation do not mean to you what you say they do. To maintain great joy in Christ in the face of that persistent message is impossible.
John Piper, When the Darkness will not Lift (Crossway) p.64-65
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