It's not easy to be joyful during hard times.  At times like these, I believe the Lord is saying to us: "Rejoice in the Lord- today!"  One of the most joyful people I've ever met was a Native American woman from Arizona.  She grew up in a large and terribly poor family.  Still, they shared everything they had with their friends and neighbors.  When they were down to their last five dollars, her father would always say: "Let's have a party!"  He'd spend that five dollars on ice cream and invite all the neighbors to come over.  By God's grace, her family always had all that they needed.  Even in the pits of depression, we, too, can throw a party.  We are the children of a loving God!  We can rejoice in the sure hope that God will get us through any trial or tribulation.  Joy is a decision.  We need to decide to rejoice today, whatever our circumstances or feelings. 

Ask the Lord to release the Spirit of Joy within you.  Decide to do things that are rejoicing (i.e. have a party, give gifts, dance, sing, etc.).  Be persistent.  Make the following the foundation stone of your growth in Christian joy: personal daily prayer, repentance, friendships, service to others, leisure, play, and a sense of humor.

John Boucher 

  A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!  

  Proverbs 15:23  

  The King James Version  

A 19th-century preacher was once asked to explain the doctrine of election.  He said: "Well, brethren, it is this way: The Lord is always voting for a man, and the devil is always voting against him; then the man himself votes, and that breaks the tie.

 Arthur Tonne