It seems that the better you understand yourself, the easier it is to access a state of joy. Basically you know what makes you happy, and do it. The understanding can be conscious, intuitive or unconscious. In a way the human quest for enlightnement (a constant state of joy?) can be compared to Steve's article about the 'hopeless situation'. Perhaps some believe it can never be achieved, as the human brain does not have the physical capacity to understand everything in the universe. Others believe that the quest for enlightenment itself must be abandoned in order to achieve it. It's a zen-like concept. Once you surrender to that, and stop looking for enlightenment, there are three things that can happen: You can stop trying to find enlightenment and start to make yourself happy. You can play to learn instead of playing to win. You can live your life around giving value to society, and happiness to others. All of these will result in enlightenment. All of these will also bring joy.
Another thought; if an enlightened state includes moments of deep empathy for others who may be suffering, would an enlightened person experience joy during those moments as well? I'd say yes and no, as if you are egoless, you 'become' the other for brief moments of time... thus adding to joy (the expanding joy of understanding others/self/universe), and detracting from the current moment of ego-based joy.
I've had unusual states of intense joy, bliss and creation over the last month or so, more than I've had in a long while, due to the realization of a new life purpose unfolding. If somehow I sabatoge this opportunity through fear-based LoA, than how do I keep this state of joy I have? Food for thought.... as I sit here I've already answered all my own questions.
They are to do with commitment to my the purpose regardless of if the signpost opportunity continues or not.
So this is an example of how moments of joy are transient until one gets to that higher level of consciousness.
I think non-ego based love of the awareness is the key to joy.. and if you can't do self-love, try self-acceptance first, and just be okay with that... then suddenly self-love happens on it's own, and that's joyful.
