Don’t wait to experience joy to be thankful. Be thankful right now in the midst of the issue or situation, then you will experience joy whether the situation changes or not. Thankfulness opens up the heart to live free of carrying burdens. Thankfulness, the recognizing of God’s faithfulness, releases you from worry and the struggle to “fix it.” Thankfulness causes you to rely on a good God who has begun a good work in you and will complete it. Speak out and/or write down what you are thankful to God for. You will find your spirits lifting and joy coming even before you can finish.