Phil 4
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Doing this really helps me. I find that it isnt joylessness that takes my joy. It is specific thoughts. Lies that I start believing even if I dont realize it. They can be very subtle and they can pile up very quickly. I find that praying with other people does help but honestly doing what these verses say and casting my cares on the Lord is the only way that I can maintain steady peace in my heart and mind.
"Lord take away the things that are troubling my mind. The discouragement and fear and sorrow and _______"
Thats how I pray, and I try to be as specific as I can about the the individual things that are bothering me. It takes a while sometimes hours. And when your first trying to learn to do this it may take days or weeks. But God will give you this promise if you seek Him for it without giving up. You have the promise:
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Grace and peace
Mike