People often use the term “joy”; many equate it with the word “happy”. The Bible uses the term “blessed” which is often translated in English as happy. Scripture uses “joy” rather than happy because God wants to convey something different. As Pastor Mark is teaching, happiness is based on circumstances; joy is based on the character and reliability of God. That’s why in places like James 1 we’re encouraged to count all things joy – it involves God’s faithfulness and ability to care for us despite our circumstances. This is comforting and something we do well to remember.