Joy is one of the most sought-after qualities in life, yet it often feels elusive.

Romans 15:13 requests, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

The Bible speaks of joy as something much deeper than momentary happiness—it’s a fruit of the Spirit, a gift from God that sustains us through all circumstances. Here are ten things we need to know about joy:

1. Joy is a gift from God. True joy is not something we manufacture on our own. It comes from a deep relationship with God, flowing from our awareness of God’s presence in our lives.

2. Joy is not dependent on circumstances. Happiness can change based on our situation, but joy remains steadfast. It’s possible to have joy even in difficult seasons because it comes from knowing God’s love and grace.

3. Joy and gratitude go hand in hand. A thankful heart cultivates joy. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we experience a greater sense of joy.

4. Joy is a choice. While joy is a gift, it also requires intentionality. We can choose to focus on God’s goodness and place our trust in God, even when life feels uncertain.

5. Joy energizes us. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy gives us the inner strength to endure trials and challenges with hope.

6. Joy is contagious. When we live with joy, it impacts those around us. A joyful spirit lifts others and creates an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity.

7. Joy comes through serving others. One of the greatest sources of joy is found in giving to and serving others. When we focus on the needs of others, we experience the joy that comes from living selflessly.

8. Joy and peace are connected. Joy and peace often go hand in hand. When we rest in God’s peace, it paves the way for joy to take root in our hearts.

9. Joy reflects our trust in God. When we trust that God has a plan for our lives and is working in us and through us to accomplish good, we can experience joy, even in uncertain times.

10. Joy is frequently found in the simple things. It’s often the little things and the routine things in life that bring the most joy. Max Lucado reminds us, “Find joy in the ordinary things.”  Likewise, Brene Brown suggests, “We risk missing out on joy when we get too busy chasing down the extraordinary.”

Rather than being a fleeting or situational emotion, joy is an attitude with which we proactively approach life. Joy is a disposition, a mindset that precedes and supersedes the highs and lows of our life experiences.

Henri Nouwen advised, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

(Barry Howard serves as the pastor at the Church at Wieuca in North Atlanta. He also serves as a leadership coach and columnist with the Center for Healthy Churches.)