Can a person have joy while not being happy?
Yes. Joy is an inner reality produced by the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer and by God’s eternal promises, so it remains regardless of circumstances. Happiness, by contrast, depends on favorable circumstances—health, paid bills, money, and possessions. Thus a person in trial and tribulation can have joy without being happy.
Les teaches that joy and happiness are distinct. He explains that joy is not circumstantial; it comes from within as a result of the Holy Spirit indwelling us and what God has done on our behalf. Believers have joy unspeakable because, regardless of what may happen in this life, they have eternal life and the promises of all things God has prepared. That precipitates real joy. Happiness, on the other hand, is the result of circumstances: if everything is going well, you're healthy, the bills are paid, you've got money in the bank, a decent car, a nice home—these contribute to happiness. But they are circumstantial and have nothing to do with the inner life. So whether you have money in the bank or are in trial and tribulations, you can still have joy, but you won't be happy. Les says that stands to reason.