It is important for us to make a distinction between the spiritual fruit of joy and the cultural concept of happiness. A Christian can have joy in his heart while there is still spiritual depression in his head. The joy that we have sustains us through these dark nights and is not quenched by spiritual depression. The joy of the Christian is one that survives all downturns in life.
R.C. Sproul
The Spillover 
Sometimes I think God brings us through hard times to show us that He *alone* is enough to sustain us and give us joy and satisfaction. When so many things go wrong, He’s still there and He’s still right. My personal experience, at least.
We are learning that Joy is not in what you have but WHO you have!
Amen to that.
Agree with Sproul, and both of you. My question is: What does this joy actually look like? Does someone KNOW it when they see it (or have it)? Maybe it’s just my limited exposure, but the kind of joy that is truly pervasive, seems also elusive. Joy can’t be manufactured, but doesn’t happen by accident, either – right? So, how does a Jesus person bear this spiritual fruit more and more???