"... because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises." 2 Peter 1:4 NLT

Anxious fear brings depression, but a life-giving word of encouragement can do wonders to restore joy to the heart.
(Proverbs 12:25)

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION TOOLS 

Did you know that Chronic Joy® has developed and curated a wide range of tools and resources to equip and inspire you to live well and thrive amid anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression are part of being human in a fallen and broken world. Rhett Smith, a licensed therapist with a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy and a Master in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, writes, “Part of being human is that we get anxious. No human can opt out of experiencing anxiety. It visits all of us at varying times and to varying degrees.”

Too often, we also feel shame for experiencing these very human emotions, but “[t]here is righteous anxiety,” writes Jon Bloom, “like Jesus’ in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38-39), Paul’s for the churches (2 Corinthians 11:28), and parents’ godly concerns over the spiritually dangerous influences their children will face in the world … The Bible gives us the warrant to feel anxious concern … What keeps these anxieties from turning sinful is when we, like Jesus and Paul, translate our fear-fueled concerns into prayer requests, weaving them with thanksgiving for graces we’ve received from God and all the promises he’s made to us 2 Peter 1:4, and give them over to God.”

ANXIETY CAN MOVE US TO BE MORE LIKE CHRIST

Bloom continues, “Instead of adding shame to already challenging emotions, we begin to ask, ‘What are you up to, God? What is it You want to teach me? Where are you in my anxiety and depression?’”

Because if these are God-given, Biblically experienced, human emotions (like anger or joy or excitement), doesn’t that mean they ultimately have a distinct purpose in our lives

Josh Weidmann writes, “… our anxiety can actually move us to be more like Christ—growing us in dependence on God and helping us relinquish our will and yield to his … God is not the author of anxiety, but he is sovereign over it. If my stress and fear push me closer to Christ, I’ll relish the fact that God loves me enough to use my anxiety to draw me closer to him.”

 

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION QUESTIONS

What if the question is: “Who do we trust?”

What if anxiety and depression are the very things that draw us into a closer relationship with God and greater dependence on Him—and what if anxiety and depression are what actually cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God?

Is it possible that God is drawing us back to Himself through our anxiety and depression?

While there are no easy answers to these questions, Chronic Joy’s practical, easy-to-use, faith-based resources are a life-giving first step. May they encourage you as you continue your journey seeking to thrive amid anxiety and depression!

Anxiety - Seeking God's Peace

Anxiety

Seeking God's Peace.

Anxiety, fear, and feeling overwhelmed areinvitations to lean into the one who knows us best and loves us completely—theGod of all comfort.

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Depression • Longing for light in the darkness.

Depression

Longing for light in the darkness. 

Depression isn’t a surprise to God and doesn’t disqualify us from making an impact for His kingdom. Hold on to hope. God is here.

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Hold Onto Possibility Everyday

SUICIDE PREVENTION

Hold Onto Possibility Everyday

Are you thinking about ending your life? Reach out for support.

Are you concerned about a friend or loved one ending their life? Ask. Listen. Love. Pray.

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Happy Bubbles
In the Midst of Grief • Navigating loss, suffering, and chronic sorrow.

In the Midst of Grief

(Navigating loss, suffering, pain, and sorrow.)
Grief is no stranger to those of us affected by chronic illness, pain, and suffering. While there are no rules for grieving chronic loss, there is a road map, and fellow travelers are ahead and behind us on the journey. Grief often precedes growth.

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Chronic Joy® Prayer Pond

TENDER-Loving Prayer (TLP)

Share prayer requests at the Prayer Pond—safe, secure, and always without judgment. Step into intercessory prayer when you #PrayItForward with TLP (Tender-Loving Prayer).

REQUEST PRAYER

Chronic Joy® Awareness •Did You Know?

Awareness

Chronic illnessmental illness, chronic pain, disability, and caring for a loved one with illness impacts every aspect of life – faith, families, finances, friendships, education, hobbies, employment and marriage.

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