How Can I Possibly Rejoice?

I cannot begin to tell you how many times in recent years the Lord has brought to my attention as I study the Bible the seemingly endless references to being joyful, rejoicing, praising God, celebrating, being happy, making joyful noises, dancing, victory, etc. I used to resent and be jealous of people who were happy because I was so filled with self-pity, sorrow, depression, discouragement, negativity, hurt, bitterness, and the like. The idea that God would call His followers to REJOICE – and t...