It is not an easy thing to do, this being joyful in bad times. We do not become "overnight successes" in this virtue. Rather, it is learned in the school of hard knocks, sometimes in the furnace of affliction.

Suffering saints of all centuries at test to this fact. In his pain, Job came close to falsely accusing God before he acknowledged his error and accepted God's dealings with him.

Paul had to learn contentment in whatever state he found himself (Philippians 4:11) before he could write "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs . . ." (2 Corinthians 12:10).

The prophet Habakkuk had earlier remonstrated vigorously against God's policy regarding his people and other nations. "O LORD, how long shall I cry, and you will not hear? Even cry out to you, 'Violence!' and you will not save" (1:2).

As God explained to the prophet the disciplinary action He would take against Judah, Habakkuk trembled (3:16). Although all might be lost, he could still have joy knowing that Jehovah was his salvation and strength.

When storms of adversity sweep through your valley, you can say, "He will make me walk on my high hills."