Joy is not a pursuit; it is a result, best viewed as a reward. When people do the right thing they have an internal confidence that will keep them despite subsequent fallout.  Nothing is more valuable than a clear conscience.  If our motives are pure and actions consistent we can experience joy in any and every situation.  The pursuit of happiness is like nailing Jell-O to the wall; seems possible until you try.   The state of happiness is “chameleonesque”.  A simple word from a suspected authority can initiate vacillations.  Options are the Achilles’ heel of the pleasure-seeker.  Once obtained, an object becomes the point of comparison leading to dissatisfaction; if only… The simple truth: truth is simple.  Avoid the mistake of negotiating justification for arguable decisions.  Seek the counsel of God through prayer, reading the Bible, a mentor’s wisdom and the Spirit’s leading. Once counsel is obtained, do the right thing.  If after following this godly prescription there are still uncertainties, delay decisions.  The assurance that accompanies the doing of the right thing is priceless.  This “calm delight” is your reward.  Second-guessing is the result of debated authority and extended deliberation.  Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. James 4:17