“We must face this problem [of joyless Christians] for the sake of the Kingdom of God and for the glory of God. In a sense a depressed Christian is a contradiction in terms, and he is a very poor recommendation for the gospel.” ~Martin Lloyd-Jones
“True spiritual joy shines brightest against the darkness of trials, tragedy, and testing and the blacker the background, the greater the brilliance. Similarly, life’s dark struggles make Christian joy more intense and our heartfelt praise more glorious.” ~Elizabeth George, God’s Garden of Grace, pg. 47.
“Do your kids get the impression from you that serving God is something you really enjoy or merely endure?” ~Donald S. Whitney
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Drinking at the Springs 
I always love seeing your Martyn Lloyd-Jones quotes. I’m still reading through Spiritual Depression as well, albeit slowly. It is so rich.
We held a “Joy Jam” yesterday at our house, partly as a result of my conviction in reading this book. We pulled together our Sunday night small group and our church’s singing group to each share things that bring us joy and sing praise songs together that bring us joy. It was such a marvelous time of worship! It definitely made me feel very joyful to be a Christian.
Love the second one especially — that’s one the mysteries of grace that doesn’t make sense til you experience it, that spiritual joy during hard times.
That last one is convicting. I know they saw the pressure but hope they saw the joy, too.
That is a gorgeous fall photo in your header.
The last quote hit me between my eyes. Children imitate what they see. This is a great reminder that it’s important not only to tell children all the right Bible answers, but they also must see us live it daily.
When I first read the Martin Lloyd-Jones quote–“In a sense a depressed Christian is a contradiction in terms, and he is a very poor recommendation for the gospel”–I started beating myself up for my regular struggles with depression. But George’s quote brought the needed balance. Even in the blackest nights, when I don’t feel anything close to joy, the light of God’s greatness shines through when I say “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your trust in God” and when my soul responds “Yet I will praise Him, my Rock and my Redeemer.”