--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There were afternoons I put my elbows on…" description: "\"“There were afternoons I put my elbows on my desk, face in my hands, and wept over the theological confusion in my head. I think that is the price of d..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/64c/david-mathis-13779_long-time_there-were-afternoons-i-put-my-elbows-on_1837270.jpg" --- # There were afternoons I put my elbows on my desk, face in… ![“There were afternoons I put my elbows on my desk, face in my hands, and wept over the theological confusion in my head. I think that is the price of dismantling joy-defeating doctrines. It is ironic that so many tears should be shed on the way to the fullness of joy. But that’s the way it is…” quote by David Mathis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/64c/david-mathis-13779_long-time_there-were-afternoons-i-put-my-elbows-on_1837270.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/64c/david-mathis-13779_long-time_there-were-afternoons-i-put-my-elbows-on_1837270.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/64c/david-mathis-13779_long-time_there-were-afternoons-i-put-my-elbows-on_1837270.jpg) > ““There were afternoons I put my elbows on my desk, face in my hands, and wept over the theological confusion in my head. I think that is the price of dismantling joy-defeating doctrines. It is ironic that so many tears should be shed on the way to the fullness of joy. But that’s the way it is. Truth must make room for itself. And that may mean demolishing the mental tenements where you have lived comfortably for a long time.”” [David Mathis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-mathis/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Dismantling deeply held beliefs can cause emotional pain, but it clears space for deeper joy and truth. **In simple terms:** Letting go of old ideas can be painful but leads to greater joy. Key Takeaway Embrace discomfort to grow. Themes spiritual growth truth joy pain transformation Mood reflective hopeful determined Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal crisis - spiritual study - therapy - life transitions Key Concepts theology cognitive restructuring emotional resilience Questions to Reflect On - What belief are you ready to question? - How can you support yourself through spiritual doubt? A Different Perspective Pain may be overwhelming and can lead to confusion if not supported. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Demolishing Mental](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/demolishing-mental-2322405/) [Dismantling Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dismantling-joy-2322403/) [Doctrines Ironic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doctrines-ironic-2322406/) [Fullness Joy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fullness-joy-520967/) [Long time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-time/) [Wept Theological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wept-theological-2322404/) ## Related quotes > [ “The greatest joy is joy in God. 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