Are you discouraged and depressed because life is rough. It seemed nothing improved. At times it seemed to get worse. Have you tried counting it all joy when going through rough times ?
We are to rejoice in the Lord -- not just to rejoice. Yes, God does give us a choice: we can choose to obey God or to disobey Him.
Some good is brought about because of the trying of our faith. Once you saw that, it was easier to rejoice. It was easier to trust that God knew what He was talking about.
It is hard to rejoice when things are rough. It is even hard to think about rejoicing.
Let us ask God to help us to see beyond those things, to see His goodness and kindness to us. It is then that we can rejoice in Him, and Him alone. The tough times then diminish in their stature .
Philippians 4:4(0542 04IV2008)
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice
James 1:2-3
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience