Joy is a choice. Praise is a decision. It should not be determined by our situation but by the truth. The truth of who God is and His greatness never changes even when our situation is less than desirable.
David models this for us in Psalm 57. He is fleeing from Saul and is now hiding in a cave. He is facing serious calamities. He is surrounded by men who are like lions, ready to devour him at any moment. Yet he determines to sing and give praise to God. He determines to wake himself up early, to stir up his heart, and to praise God. He chooses to fix his heart on God and praise God everywhere he goes. Read Psalm 57;6-9 below:
6 They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down: They have digged a pit before me, Into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah. 7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
So, whether we feel like it or not, we should praise God and rejoice in His goodness. Whether we feel blessed or not, we are. Whether we have a lot or little in this world, we can still choose to praise God. God’s mercy, refuge, power, salvation, truth, and glory never change. They are always a reason to praise and exalt Him. He is always God above the heavens! He is always glorious above all the earth! Let us choose to give Him the praise He deserves.