Unlike joy, which is constant, happiness is elusive. It is dependent on circumstances. Things go right, I'm happy....things go wrong, I'm not.
To rise above one's circumstances requires knowing and believing that one is not a victim of circumstances but that another--the great I AM--is in control.
When we grasp this truth and live accordingly, joy will be our constant companion.
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28