Where does joy come from and why does it seem so elusive?

Acts 16:25 (NLT) 25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

True joy is not dependent on circumstances, but is rooted in the eternal.

Acts 16:26 (NLT) 26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Philippians 1:1–6 (NIV84) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus . . .3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, Ialways pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

"The test of authentic joy is it is compatible with deep suffering." - John Ortberg