Historically, tumultuous times offer some of the best opportunities to buy stocks, and the market's recent mess surely qualifies. It's tough to find a silver lining for many companies struggling today, but many investors think gold miner Golden Star Resources (NYSE:GSS) has a shine all its own.

In our Motley Fool CAPS community, about 93% of the 760 investors rating the company are bullish, so there's no shortage of reasons why Golden Star Resources will thrive. I've highlighted three below.

But here at the Motley Fool, we look at both the good and bad sides of an investment. Once you're done with this article, you can read the case against the stock, weigh in with your own comments below, or rate Golden Star Resources yourself in CAPS.

1. Breaking records
Gold producers have been on a roll recently, cashing in on gold prices that soared in the fourth quarter. Barrick Gold (NYSE:ABX) produced record quarterly earnings and others like New Gold (NYSE:NGD) and Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) are jumping on the pricing advantage and reported record annual production as well. Junior miner Golden Star Resources broke a record of its own, reaching gold sales of 409,902 ounces in 2009.                           

2. Organic growth
With continuing exploration at Golden Star's properties, the company has not only replaced its production, but also beefed up its reserves by net 14% in 2009. While other miners have boosted production through acquisition, like Hecla Mining's (NYSE:HL) purchase of the Greens Creek mine from Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP), Golden Star has increased its 2010 exploration budget, and it expects its growth trend to continue.

3. Long-term gold outlook
As government spending continues to increase, coupled with other fundamentals that are driving huge deficits, conditions in which gold prices are likely to rise are almost certain in the mind of many investors, including billionaire George Soros. As more investors get on board with gold, CAPS members believe miners and explorers like Golden Star and Yamana Gold (NYSE:AUY) occupy prime position to benefit.       

To more of what CAPS members are saying now about Golden Star Resources, just click on over to Motley Fool CAPS -- or add your own thoughts directly to this story in the comment box below.