Scripture tells us to put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Every morning we have a choice, to put our hope in the Lord and put on a garment of praise, or to live discouraged and defeated. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, "Be happy in your faith, glad-hearted, continually and always." Notice how long we're supposed to be this way. As long as we feel okay? As long as people treat us right? No, it says, "continually and always." That means in the good times and in the tough times, when it's sunny and when it's raining. When those dark clouds are over your head and you feel like life is kind of gloomy, always remember, above those dark clouds the sun is shining! The good news is, the clouds are temporary. The sun is going to shine in your life once again. The key is, in the meantime, always keep your joy.

We're supposed to be joyful and glad-hearted in the middle of tough times because when you lose your joy, you lose your strength. In the difficult times, more than ever, that's when you need your strength. Don't be determined to never have problems; be determined to stay full of joy in the midst of your problems. Get up each morning and prepare for victory. Arrange your mind in the right direction. And no matter what comes your way, don't lose your joy. If you will keep the voice of joy and gladness, you cannot stay down and defeated. God has promised He is going to reverse and restore and the joy of the Lord will be your strength.