John 17:13 (NIV):"... but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them."

Joy is not a fleeting emotion that is dependent on circumstances. It's a spiritual force that is activated in the life of a believer, specifically in extremely difficult situations. According to the book of Galatians, joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit Who lives inside us; and like all the attributes of the Holy Spirit, it flows most powerfully in our lives when we choose to live surrendered to, and controlled by, the Spirit of God. When we encounter difficult challenges, which place us under tremendous pressure or stress, it's the joy of the Lord that rises up like a mighty force from the depth of our spirits and infuses us with supernatural inner strength to endure and overcome every challenge. This happens when we deliberately take our focus off the trouble and fix it firmly on the Lord and His promises concerning us. As we begin to fill our mouths with praise in the midst of our trouble, God's Presence dominates the circumstance; and His supernatural joy is released in its full measure, undergirding our faith and breaking down every wall the enemy set up to hinder us from walking in the victory God has promised. So surrender to the control of the Holy Spirit, and let the joy of the Lord be your strength.