Recently I heard a sermon based on Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice."

How could Paul ask us to always rejoice? Knowing that life can be so challenging, how can I, as a Christian, always have the attitude of joy?
I suppose I could start by knowing the difference between rejoicing, praising, and giving thanks...
I praise God for who He is.
I give thanks to God for what He does.
I WILL rejoice to God for the expectation of good.

The promises God made are ALWAYS greater than any problem that I might encounter.
Rejoicing doesn't equal accepting the bad, it is equal to realizing that God is greater than any circumstance.

If I choose to focus on the expectation of God's good promises, rather than of anything or anyone that disappoints or challenges me, than I can live with an attitude of joy and experience peace--the peace that only comes from God.
No longer do I need to look to another person to meet my expectations of being less alone...no longer do I need to look at my plight in life to consider myself a success or failure...no longer do I need to focus on the 'have nots'...but on the Good that I will experience.

Jesus said, "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven." ~Luke 10:20

and James...
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trail, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those that love Him.
~James 1:12