I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances...

Joy has been something that has not been present in my life for a while. I don't know where it has gone but I can tell an extreme difference in my overall being. Why is this? What happened?
As the Christian I say I am, I am told in Gods word to "be full of joy"?
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Phil 4:4

How am I to always be joyful? Lately it seems that joy is something that is just out of reach. Is it really possible to be joyful all the time? Even on those rare occasions when things actually go right I still find it difficult to find joy.
Be joyful always; pray continually... Thes 5:16-17

Maybe that is the answer. Pray continually... Maybe that's how you find joy. The answer is still unknown to me. But I am learning this... "I know now that my joy should have no regard for my circumstances..." I read that this week and it has helped change my perspective. I should be able to find joy all the time, in everyday life. My circumstances should not affect my joy. God is good... And should seek him and find joy in that...

So, I'm all for just going ahead and having a good time—the best possible. The only earthly good men and women can look forward to is to eat and drink well and have a good time—compensation for the struggle for survival these few years God gives us on earth.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (The Message)