The Joy of the Lord

I was just listening to one of my favorite bible teachers on  the subject of Joy. and his reference was "1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
NKJV
He said "how can you say you have fellowship with God and be depressed? Its an oxymoron."

I just want you to know that i have been depressed for almost 3 years + a manic day here and there.  But i still had the joy of the lord in my heart.  Maybe i wasn't jumping up and down but i had the Joy of the Lord.
It really bothers me to hear people say things they have never lived. 

I have been a Pastor for 25 yrs and i have never had a family member die nor have i ever performed a funeral.  But you will never find me talking about a lost family member like i know how they feel, cause i dont.
I dont believe you can walk in darkness and have fellowship with the Lord, but i dont think depression can keep you from walking in the light.

Grace and Peace Pastor Dave...