Have you ever tried to be sad, somber, or depressed when good things are happening, or when celebration is in the air, or when your day is perking along fine-n-dandy?
No! Who would, right? Sure, when 'all is well', being happy, excited, and finding joy in the moment is second nature; something of a normal response to these heart-warming events. Finding joy during tumultuous times, during stressful events, even just during the blasé and hum-drum events can be quite a tougher prospect.
Our devotional today is a gentle reminder that His joy, like His presence, is right there for our hearts, our minds, and certainly for our spirits to glean. It is in no way natural for us to seek it out, to remember it is there, to ask the Lord to fill us with His peace and joy. How badly (much) you yearn for it is determined by how much of yourself you put into remaining in His presence, remaining in His peace... after-all, Proverbs 2:4 states; "If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures", which reminds us that we must be 'engaged' in our relationship with the Lord. Maybe it is something like medicine for , say, your infection; purchasing the medicine and taking it home are only signs of possession... it does speak of your commitment to the medicine. But until you actually consume it, your commitment has not actually been applied, not actually put into action, not actually placed into your life where it can have an impact on you.
Sure, His presence in your life does automatically fill you with peace, but again, these 'events' in our lives rob & steal the joy, steal the calming peace His presence has on us. Never forget how Psalms 21:6 states; "For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.", which is a reminder that even in the dullest of days, the hardest of trials, the most uncertain of times... stop, and take a fresh breath of joy, a fresh gulp of His everlasting peace and assurance!