Happiness is often connected to our happenings whereas the essence of joy is connected to a deep awareness of something beyond our circumstances. The apostle Paul exhorts us in repeated fashion to "Rejoice in the Lord and again I say, rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). As our minds and hearts think more on goodness we will develop that wonderful sense of joy, enveloped in peace. As Paul continues to say, "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7)
