Joy: a fruit of the Spirit. Comforting, content and full of peace. An enduring attitude of the heart and spirit, and a natural part of the Christian faith. It’s often connected with, but not limited to, following Jesus and pursuing a Christian life.
Happiness. An outward expression of emotion connected to a moment. Fleeting in comparison to joy. Carried along like a scent in the breeze.
We pursue happiness but choose joy. The following Bible verses tell us more about joy, a life-changing feeling of peace and contentment despite our circumstances.
All Scriptures written in NIV unless otherwise noted.
10 Bible Verses About Rejoicing in God
Joy isn’t just a passing feeling. It’s the response to God's presence, his promises and his goodness. These verses remind us that no matter what we face, we can still rejoice and find true joy in Him.
1. Psalm 47:1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
2. Isaiah 9:3
You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.
3. Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
4. Isaiah 12:6
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
5. Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
6. Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
7. Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
8. Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
9. Luke 2:10
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
10. Psalm 32:11
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Scriptures About God’s Joy
God feels joy too. The Bible shows us that there is joy in being close to him, and that he also finds joy in us.
1. Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
2. Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
3. 1 Chronicles 16:26-28
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place. Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
10 Bible Verses About Joy in Life
Joy isn’t limited to big or extraordinary moments in life. The Bible teaches us that joy is something we can experience in our everyday routines, relationships, work and even during challenges.
1. James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
2. Proverbs 15:23
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!
3. Psalm 118:24
The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
4. Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
5. Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.
6. 2 John 1:12
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
7. Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
8. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil — this is the gift of God.
9. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
10. Romans 15:32
So that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed.
Scriptures About Finding Joy in Relationships
Some of life’s deepest joy comes through relationships with the people we love. Scripture shows how joy grows through shared faith, encouragement and the connection between family and friends.
1. Philemon 1:7
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
2. Proverbs 23:24
The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.
3. 3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
4. Proverbs 10:1
A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
5. Philippians 2:2
Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
8 Bible Verses About Lasting Joy
Even in hardship, we can hold onto an enduring joy through the Holy Spirit and the hope of salvation. Scripture shows us that joy is rooted in trusting God, sustained through prayer and promised us even when life is hard.
1. 1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
2. Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. Isaiah 35:10
And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
4. John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
5. Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
6. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
7. Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
8. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
