Know any good jokes? We all love them don’t we? They make us smile and feel better. This is in direct relation to Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.”

I suffer from chronic depression and have for over 25 years so I know the signs when I am getting off track and what causes me to go off the rails. I also have a great doctor who has been with me for the whole time. In her circles, I am known as one of her success stories.

When I feel the steel train wheels grinding on the steel rails of the track the following formula has worked for me:

• I read scripture
• I watch a funny movie
• I put music tapes on that are joyful and upbeat
• I call a positive friend – you know the one who is always smiling and knows the right thing to say
• I have lunch with a friend
• I go exercise

God wants us to reach our divine destination in joy. Paul talked about keeping the joy in Acts 20:24 “None of these things move me …so that I might finish my course with joy…”

I have found turning to God in dark and troubled times has been encouraging and uplifting. Ps. 22:3 tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of His people. As parents we love to be praised by our children and told by them that we are loved. As long as we know this is not manipulative, we desire to open our hearts and arms to them to increase their joy in life.

Surround yourself with the presence of God and the dark clouds will dissipate. His Word will encourage you and He will look after you in the valley as well as the mountain top. As you praise Him with music, scripture and prayer, you will be filled with joy and He will bring laughter into your heart once more.

Have faith like Paul. He knew he was where God wanted him to be. He drew strength from that faith and so can you. As a child of God you are one of the “just” ones. As a just person you live by faith.

The valleys in life are there for us to become closer to God. God rarely speaks in thunderbolts to the majority of people yet we are all special to Him. Take some quite time and let God speak to your heart. Listen for Him. Let Him lift you in praise music.

If you find yourself camping out in the valley too long, seek help. God wants you to crossover to the next mountain top. Your assignment is waiting. Look to Him to keeping it a valley and not a canyon.

Author's Bio: 

Margaret L. Good has transformed lives by showing people that success, wealth and living abundantly is not difficult when you learn simple life altering principles. She is a Barnes and Noble 2 time best-selling author, coach and speaker.

For the past 28 years, Margaret has supported hundreds of people from many walks of life as a Certified General Accountant. Margaret is a unique and stand alone speaker and coach. Her candor and ability to point out what your true gifts, talents and inspiration are can quickly help you live the life you have always dreamed of.

Helping you reach your fullest potential is Margaret’s mission in life. A stellar business woman, wife and mother, Margaret shows her clients and audiences how to truly have it all and live the way you want to, aligned with God and never in scarcity.

Margaret’s co-authored best-selling book Living in Abundance has become well known. She has also co-authored a book specifically for the inspiration of women across the globe Wake Up Women Be Happy, Healthy and Wealthy which reached #7 on the Barnes & Noble best-sellers list in January 2009.

Margaret is the wife of Rob with whom she has shared her life for the past 30 years. She is also the mother of 15 year old Stephanie. She loves reading, knitting and quilting as well as enjoying the weather and its elements while attempting to play the game of golf.