Excerpts from "Is Real Joy Possible?" by Gail Rodgers

True joy is a deep and abiding assurance rooted in hope. If worry, fear, nagging, or feeling overwhelmed is what characterizes you on a daily basis, you know your trust in God has probably faded and your hope begins to feel slim.
Listen to God’s promise to you…
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” ( Romans 15:13, NIV).
When hope has disappeared off your horizon, check honestly to see where your trust in God is at. Ask Him to increase your faith. Ask Him to grow your faith to believe that…
• He will act on your behalf.
• He will give you strength and wisdom where you are weak and confused.
• He will supernaturally fill you with the power of His Holy Spirit.
• He will increase your hope in Him in every circumstance of your life.
The hope you have in God increases as your trust deepens. This hope becomes an anchor for your soul. It will bring with it a deep source of victory and joy as God works in you and through you to bring His hope to you in your day-to-day world. Depend on His Holy Spirit to fill you with increased faith today.
http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2009/09/29/is-real-joy-possible/