Everyone wants to be happy. There are songs written about it, and our constitution proclaims we have a right to the pursuit of it. Yet, as you look around, nobody seems to be happy. Why?The answer is that happiness is not the goal. Happiness is fleeting. It is a by-product of something else, joy. You never hear anyone promising joy if you use their product. That is because joy can’t be bought or rented.Joy isn’t the result of an outward stimulus. It is based on an inward peace. Joy isn’t temporary, it is eternal. Happiness disappears when circumstances are bleak, but joy strengthens and builds us up when everything looks impossible. Happiness is a fair weather friend, whereas joy sticks closer than a brother.So how do we get joy? Galatians 5:22 (NIV) tells us that joy is a “fruit of the spirit” given to us by the Holy Spirit. Psalm 16:11 (ESV) tells us that in the Lord’s presence there is “fullness of joy.” Romans 14:17 (NIV) says that the Kingdom of God is a place of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”What about happiness? When we find joy, the by-product IS happiness. We get two for the price of one! Seek joy, and you’ll find happiness.