Joy, a fruit of the Holy spirit which is an internal selfless expression of the goodness of the Lord and also shows a spiritual connection with the Lord.
Happiness is a selfish external, superficial pleasure of the flesh which is mostly short lived.
Galatians, 5:19-21 describes vividly the pleasure of the flesh. We can plainly say that the happiness of the flesh does not reflect the ways of the Lord. Many are the times as human we do desire so much which is not bad but we fail to question ourselves with the much wealth which we gain will it draw us near to the Lord or not.what the Lord has given to you does it give you peace, do you potray Godly love, are you kind, are you gentle towards other,do you have self control and do you have joy.
If the wealth I have leads to the character traits in galatians, 5:19-21,to me I would say I need to go back at the foot of the cross and bleed the blood of the Lamp, pray for repentance of the sins I have committed and pray for the renewal of a right spirit in me, that I be filled with the spirit of the Lord.
I learnt that anywhere that the Lord dwells there is joy. Oh God fill me with your joy that I should never accept the pleasure of the flesh that leaves people wanting more and at the same time filling spiritually empty. Filling me Lord with joy, peace, love, gentleness, faithfulness, self control, patience, kindness and goodness. Lord let your spirit dwell in me always.
