Joyful Sorrow: Breaking Through the Darkness of Mental Illness

by Julie Busler

When darkness suffocates, look for the light.

Depression and suicide cases are rising at an alarming rate, with suicide being a leading cause of death in the United States. For Christians, particularly those in vocational ministry, the stigma surrounding mental illness and mental health often creates an atmosphere of secrecy where the enemy’s lies reign. But when science and religion mingle in the recovery of a believer, not only are minds stabilized but true hope is found. Julie Busler understands the pain of mental illness and has learned that trials not only humanize us but increase our capacity to be used by God. In Joyful Sorrow , she invites us into her own journey where a mental breakdown took her from being a missionary to a suicidal patient in a Turkish psychiatric hospital. With vulnerability and grace, Julie walks us through how to find help and hope and demonstrates that even in the sorrow of mental illness, joy can coexist.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2022

About the author

Julie Busler is a Bible teacher, author, and speaker who is passionate about helping people find hope and joy even in the midst of sorrow. As a mental health advocate, she has authored two books: Joyful Sorrow: Breaking Through the Darkness of Mental Illness and Hopeful Sorrow: Turning To God in Hope When Childhood Wounds Have You Turning Away. She is also a contributing author to Lifeway Women’s Bible study, Grateful. Her heart for evangelism led to her serving as the Oklahoma president of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) from 2020-2024. Julie, and her husband, Ryan, have 4 children and have served as missionaries in Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Turkey. Connect with Julie on her website: www.juliebusler.com, or on social media: @juliebusler.

Reviews

[Ellen Hudson Howard]

I’m so grateful for Busler’s vulnerability and deep deep conviction to unite to the truth of Gods Word in the battle with mental illness. As one who has at many stages in the last few years battled suicidal ideation this book is a stronghold to be both beautifully known and to be truthfully loved. Highly recommend the book if these topics are applicable for you or to give to a friend who can relate.

[Ashley Murray]

Honest, raw, full of truth and hope for the future for anyone who battles a mental illness…depression, anxiety, etc. This book is exactly what is needed to throw off the stigma of accepting help as Christians.

[Katie McKnight]

Such a powerful testimony. I heard Julie Busler at a women’s conference in February. After hearing her breakout session on walking with the Lord while having mental illness I knew I wanted to read more. The Lord’a work is so evident in her life even as she’s still suffering today. The book is saturated with Scripture. She gives practical steps to capture every thought. I would absolutely recommend this book to friends battling mental illness or friends who know of someone battling.

[Ginger]

Julie is transparent in sharing her own personal struggle with depression coupled with suicidal thoughts, and the journey she walked to find hope and healing. It is a must read for anyone struggling with depression to see that they aren’t alone. And, it’s a must read for anyone that has a relationship with someone struggling with mental illness- to better understand them at a deeper level. I so appreciate how Julie shows the value, not only of her faith, but also of counseling, different therapies, and medications, that all played a role in her healing.

[Leslie Skiles]

A Honest Look at a Christian Living with Mental Illness

A dedicated missionary, wife and mother suffers from suicidal thoughts. Based on the author's journey with mental illness, the reader gets a candid look at the darkness of this disease, Biblical reference of mental illness in Scriptures, and the hope of finding joy in the journey. This excellent, honest book would be an exceptional read for those who live with depression or anxiety --or their loved ones -- and need a deep infusion of hope, grace and joy.

[PollyAnna Joy]

Joyful Sorrow. An oxymoron that makes perfect sense to those of us who have traveled the road from deep Sorrow to pure joy. I went through 3 separate highlighters reading through Julia Busler's amazing book. Our stories are vastly different, but the emotions she experienced are exactly the same as mine. If we would ever have an opportunity to meet, I know that Julia and I would be instant friends. She's of the race of Joseph. 🦋

[Ashley Setterlind]

Julie has written a brave, vulnerable, and helpful account for Christ-followers struggling with mental illness. Her reflections and her theology are rich, and her perspective is one that will assist many on their journey towards healing. I would have benefited significantly from this book about 3 years ago…but it was still nice to engage with her account of her own struggles and be reminded that even in our darkest places, we are never alone, and there is hope.

[Kristin Brewer]

Helped me more than anything else has. More than counseling, friends, the hospital. It led me in the right direction and kept giving me the guidance and substance I was needing so bad. Thank you, Julie, for sharing the Bible passages that helped you heal and for sharing your story. I can't tell you how much I treasure your book. I was reaching for Jesus, but needed help and you guided me with your book.

[Courtney Harp]

The author spoke at a women's event at our church. Unfortunately, I missed the event but heard she had written a book. Her story helped me learn more about mental illness and gain a better understanding of how to encourage those I know walking this difficult road. I appreciate her willingness to be open and honest, especially from a Christian perspective.

[Angie Quantrell]

Julie's personal story of living with mental illness is poignant, honest, transparent, at times painful, and yet hope-filled. Heavily sprinkled with Bible verses and passages, Joyful Sorrow reflects on what to read, what to do, and Who to cling to during the dark seasons.

[Alicia Nierste]

Highly recommend for any Christian who has or is walking through a difficult season and you're ask God, "what is this suffering for?" The author does a great job reminding the reader of biblical truths and to turn you heart and mind back to Christ. Well written and trauma informed.

[Samantha Decker]

Transparent, engaging, and full of Truth! Julie’s story is powerful, but the way she points readers to Jesus, her source of hope, is what makes this a must read! Whether you have struggled with mental health issues or not, this book will leave you encouraged, hopeful, and more in love with Jesus.

[Karen McHenry]

This was a difficult read. But since I do not personally struggle with mental illness, it helped me understand it more. I think this is a worthy read for anyone with either mental illness themselves or someone in their universe.

[Samantha Gardner]

Joyful Sorrow is a must read for everyone! It’s the perfect balance of understanding our hope is only in Jesus Christ but getting help is sometime needed, ok and absolutely encouraged.

[Shanna]

What a beautiful, raw look at Truth! This book was chocked full of good stuff!

[Ally]

One of the best books I've ever read about Christians suffering from mental illness and trauma. I am absolutely blown away by this book!

[Val]

An informational read.

[Trista]

I'm not sure how I want to rate this book yet. The content was deep, raw and extremely personal which I very much enjoyed. I will be visiting it again for sure.

[Sarah Cummins Stevens]

Great book. Thank you for your insight on this very important matter. God bless.

[Joelle Noble]

This book felt like it was written for me and set out on the clearance table at the cute bible store just for me. It may just save my life and certainly save my thought life

[Sherrie]

4.5