Happiness does not equal joy

Happiness is a temporary emotion based on circumstances. Joy is something deep within yourself that remains regardless of your circumstances.
When I moved here 2 years ago, I found out I was pregnant. Talk about stress!...culture shock, 2 kids, 5 previous miscarriages, and hormone shots.

I realized I was walking around the house with so much on my mind I was not talking, and I had a scowl on my face. I could not even smile unless it was forced. My prayer was “God give me joy when the circumstances around me are not good. When things are not going my way, when I can’t even smile at my kids.”

What is joy? It is a quiet confidence that allows you to rest in the midst of a storm raging around you. What are storms we face? Losing a child, paying bills, putting food on the table, being a single mom, or being married but feeling like a single mom, or a s simple as getting out the door and have a child having to change a nappy when you are already late. So where does that confidence and quietness or stillness of soul come from when you are in the midst of a storm. The Bible says that joy comes from God (Galatians 5) It comes from knowing the One in control of the circumstances and trusting Him because I know He loves me.

This is not a mindless, fluffy, feel good trust. Rather it is a fleshed out, sitting on the bathroom floor wrestling with God why did you let my baby die trust that God taught me through love, the reading and learning of His Word, the Bible which is His love letters to us, and just time and experience. I know that storms will come and go, but I know where my foundation is, and that He is unchangeable and trustworthy and loving.

Extra notes:
Happiness can be influenced by mood, music, good or bad news, etc

Galatians 5:22-23 Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit.
Joy is based on unchanging, divine promises and eternal spiritual realities. It is the sense of well being experienced by one who knows all is well between himself and the Lord (1 Peter 1:8). Joy is not the result of favorable circumstances, and even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe (John 16:20-22) Joy is a gift from God, and as such, believers are not to manufacture it but to delight in the blessing they already possess (Romans 14:17, Phillipians 4:4). (MacArthur Study Bible)

Fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-23
Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Faithfulness Gentleness and Self-Control