1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Notice that we are called to give thanks in all circumstances; it is God’s will for us. We are not called to give thanks for our circumstances, but to give thanks in them. Those who can remain grateful in the midst of difficult conditions are the ones who know true joy. There is purpose in the pain; God is working all things for our good. He knows the big picture; we are called to trust Him. It’s not that we want tough circumstances, but we can learn to give thanks for them.

When we feel we deserve more than we currently have or are getting, it breeds discontentment and ungratefulness in us, which then turns to selfishness and pride. Pride keeps us from our fullest potential. Having an attitude of gratitude ensures we are on the road to success. Circumstances change; we will experience the heights and the depths, but we are called to stay humble through them all. We can’t control what we go through, but we can control how we go through it. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is their response to circumstances. American novelist Raymond Chandler said, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.”

Proverbs 15:13 (NIV)

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Helen Keller said, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” Remain steadfast in your thinking and be on guard at all times. Focus on faith-filled thoughts instead of your feelings. “Fake it ‘til you make it” is a popular expression to live by. We may not feel joyful, but if we practice joy and meditate on joy, eventually we will feel it, too. Develop faith-filled habits each day. Choose to laugh, even when you don’t feel like it. No one ever suffered from a cheerful heart. 

Look up five verses on the joy of the Lord, and write them down on a notecard. Carry it with you and repeat the verses throughout the day, until you have them committed to memory. When tempted to despair or be angry, pull out your card, and remind yourself to live with joy instead.

Proverbs 15:15 (NIV)

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.