Do good circumstances have anything to do with the inner life?
Good circumstances do not touch the inner life. They produce happiness, which is merely circumstantial, such as health, paid bills, money, a car, or a home. The inner life is instead marked by joy that comes from the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, independent of external conditions.
Les explains that joy is that which comes from within as a result of the Holy Spirit indwelling us, because of what God has done on our behalf. We have joy unspeakable because regardless of what may happen to us in this life, we have life eternal and the promises of all things God has prepared for us. Happiness, on the other hand, is the result of our circumstances—if everything is well, if you're healthy, bills are paid, you have money in the bank, a decent car, and a nice home. But these are simply circumstantial; they have nothing to do with the inner life. So whether you have money in the bank or are in trials and tribulations, you can still have joy, but you won't be happy.