Hi Surviving:
I agree (as does James) that controlling the tongue is nearly impossible for us to accomplish under our own efforts. Praise God we are not limited to our own efforts, however! His Spirit lives within us and He is more than able to to do what we cannot. Part of my daily prayer is to ask Him to guard what I say, that I only speak the words He gives me and that He bless my every word so that it is uplifting to others and worthy of Him.
In Hebrews there is a passage which speaks of the "sacrifice of praise", and indeed much of the time it is just that very thing: a sacrifice. During difficult times, when praise is the very last thing you feel like doing, and there seems to be absolutely no reason to praise God for anything...that is the very time to "lift up those weary hands" and praise God the most. You will find that this "sacrifice" is one that is most pleasing to Him, and if you persist in it, you will experience within your spirit a lifting of the burdens from your heart.
Remember, we are not praising God for our troubles, rather we are praising Him in the very midst of those troubles (which is what makes it a sacrifice). So don't worry about trying to find anything positive to praise Him for, just praise Him! Many, many times I have to tell Him, "Lord, I don't understand this, but I trust you and I know you are working in all of this for my good. So I thank you for your patience with me. And I praise you for showing your love toward me, even in this situation."
In fact, much of the time anymore, I find myself just quietly saying, "Praise you, Father. Thank you, Jesus." over and over when I am alone, for no particular reason at all. I believe this is prompted by the Spirit, but I have realized that it maintains an attitude of praise within me without me having to "work" it up.
Don't give up, Surviving. He is working in you to form you into His Image...from the inside out.
To His Glory always,
Leastone