Joy a strong sense of understanding, and not something that is fleeting. Joy is not happiness. Happiness comes and goes with the sense of emotion. Happiness is dependent upon your circumstances, but joy is the fruit of an abundance of understanding.
Joy is deep seated within your spirit. It is not elation, but rather a deep understanding of all that is. Happiness can be enjoyed as the result of that understanding. Man is that they might have joy, and have it more abundantly. Joy meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us.
Joy comes when you make peace with who you are, where you are, why you are, and who you are not with. Joy is that deep understanding when you need nothing more than truth and the love of a good God that brings peace to your soul.
Happiness is external. It’s based on situations, events, people, places, things, and thoughts. Happiness is connected to your hope.