In Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, Robert A. Emmons writes, "Preliminary findings suggest that those who regularly practice grateful thinking do reap emotional, physical, and interpersonal benefits. Grateful people experience higher levels of positive emotions such as joy, enthusiasm, love, happiness, and optimism. The practice of gratitude as a discipline protects a person from the destructive impulses of envy, resentment, greed, and bitterness."

God says, "No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, New Living Translation). So when you find yourself sinking into discouragement, write down things that you are thankful for. Share your list with God. See if this doesn’t help lift you back up into an attitude of joy and happiness.