God wants you to be happy and enjoy life. That doesn't mean you will never experience trials or tough times. Here are five habits you can develop as a young person that will cause you to keep your joy through even the darkest hours.

1. Regularly reading and meditating (thinking and pondering) on God's Word (Ps. 119-105). This will energize your joy!
   
2. Steadily communing with God. "Communion" comes from the word "communicate." That's it. Talk to God, praise Him, and give Him your requests and cares.
   
3. Vision thinking. Find out what God has gifted you in. Take time to seek Him for your career and ambition. Take one step at a time as you grow to get there.
   
4. Singing a good song aloud! God made us to sing. Not all of us sound that good, but it doesn't matter. Find songs and worship music that inspire you for good, and sing! (Ps. 95:1).
   
5. Attending church weekly. Stay connected to good friends, strong mentors, and caring pastors who will help you stay on track.
   
   Source: Every Teenager's Little Black Book of Hard to Find Information
   by Blaine Bartel.
   Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers