In his book "Sabbath," Dan B. Allender explores the nature of joy, emphasizing that while individuals can choose to seek and embrace joy, its arrival and duration remain beyond our control. This paradox highlights that joy cannot be forced or manipulated, making it a complex and often elusive experience.

Allender illustrates that the pursuit of joy involves an openness to its spontaneity. Instead of trying to regulate when joy will enter our lives, we must find ways to cultivate an environment where joy can naturally flourish, celebrating the moments when it does appear and accepting its transient nature.