Bible Verses About Joy
When was the last time you felt joy? In this post we will look at the different bible verses about joy. It is closely related to being happy, rejoicing, being glad and cheer. The bible verses spoke at length about joy.
Joy Was There At The Creation Of The World
When God created the heavens and the earth, there was already joy when he was creating.
4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measures, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it? 6 What were its foundations fastened on? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:4–7)
8 They also who dwell in faraway places are afraid at your wonders. You call the morning’s dawn and the evening with songs of joy. (Psalm 65:8)
12 You have created the north and the south. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name. (Psalm 89:12)
27 When he established the heavens, I was there. When he set a circle on the surface of the deep, 28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong, 29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, 30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him, 31 rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men. (Proverbs 8:27–31)
Joy Is Around Us In Creation
The following bible verse reminds us that nature can in fact sing and shout for joy, as they are created by God. My hope is that this post will help you to understand why being joyful is good for us, what can we be joyful about, reasons to be joyful and some other related topics to joy.
13 The pastures are covered with flocks. The valleys also are clothed with grain. They shout for joy! They also sing. (Psalm 65:13)
Everyone feels joy in their own way.
10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger. (Proverbs 14:10)
The philosopher wise man in the bible from Ecclesiastes recommended people to have joy in their lives.
12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
15 Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
But if we feign joy, when we are actually not joyful, it cannot last and it can even become a burden.
13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness. (Proverbs 14:13)
Here are some bible verses on how people tried to cheer themselves up with wine. But as long as that wine is digested and out of your system, wouldn't your joy go down the toilet too? The bible teaches us not to rejoice in the wrong things, something that will be explored more in detail later.
3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the sons of men that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives. (Ecclesiastes 2:3)
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things. (Ecclesiastes 10:19)
29 Don’t rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that struck you is broken; for out of the serpent’s root an adder will emerge, and his fruit will be a fiery flying serpent. (Isaiah 14:29)
Worldly joy does not last forever as the following bible verses teach us. It is encouraging us to take a step back when we are rejoicing in worldly things about how the state of eternal affairs will be.
28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you. 29 But I say this, brothers: the time is short. From now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none; 30 and those who weep, as though they didn’t weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn’t rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn’t possess; 31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away. (1 Corinthians 7:28–31)
Joy is a requisite when people come before the king. It is expected that most kings' servants would want to please their master and be joyful when they are in the king's presence.
However, this bible verse below is more related to how God's people will have great joy when they go before his presence. God is a good, amazing, kind God who is not like a tyrant, thus the people can have true joy before him.
15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the king’s palace. (Psalm 45:15)
Benefits Of Being Joyful
True joy from God has a lot of benefits, here are some of the benefits that the bible mentioned.
Joy Gives Us Strength
Our dear grandfather Popaw passed away 3 weeks ago at the age of 95. Popaw lived a life that is godly and Jesus-loving. After being widowed 5 years ago, he always tried to be cheerful and joked with people even when we all know he was missing Momaw a lot.
Before he passed away, a few years ago, I interviewed him on some life topics. When I asked him what he had learned about happiness, he replied, "Happiness is going to make you strong and I say make you lovable too. A lot of people like happy people”.
He indeed was very much loved by a lot of people- in church, his neighbors, his nurses and his family.
We knew that he drew a lot of strength from the Lord to keep going on through his daily struggles with his health, back pain and living alone, as he also mentioned in interview that we need to keep Christianity in our lives.
Here are some bible verses about the joy of the Lord that is our strength.
9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “Today is holy to The LORD your God. Don’t mourn, nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of The LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:9–10)
1 The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. 2 Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which is as a bridegroom coming out of his room, like a strong man rejoicing to run his course. (Psalm 19:1–5)
24 But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)
1 Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)
Joy Promotes Health
It is now well-known how stress can affect our body and cause problems in our health. It is amazing that God has already taught his people in the bible verse below from nearly a few thousand years ago that having a cheerful heart is good for the body.
22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
How To Express Joy
The bible verse here teach us that if we are feeling cheerful, we should sing praises to God. Let's try it! It does not matter if you are on tune or not, what matters is you are happy singing it!
13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. (James 5:13)
Encouragement To Rejoice
Here are some bible verses that encourage us to be joyful before God. It's interesting that these bible verses encourage us to make joyful noises or singing or shouts to God.
As I'm writing this post, it's funny how I was actually feeling overwhelmed by various things in life- those little things that all adds up. But while preparing these bible verses below, I'm encouraged to be joyful in the LORD.
The call to rejoice is not just for our own benefit but it is rather explicitly told to us by God to do so!
It could be easier to whine or have a pity party but here, we are all reminded to rejoice!
1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! (Psalm 66:1)
4 Sing to God! Sing praises to his name! Extol him who rides on the clouds: to the LORD, his name! Rejoice before him! (Psalm 68:4)
1 Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob! (Psalm 81:1)
4 Make a joyful noise to The LORD, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises! 5 Sing praises to The LORD with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody. 6 With trumpets and sound of the ram’s horn, make a joyful noise before the King, The LORD. 7 Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein. 8 Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together. (Psalm 98:4–8)
1 Shout for joy to The LORD, all you lands! (Psalm 100:1)
9 Let your priests be clothed with righteousness. Let your saints shout for joy! (Psalm 132:9)
14 Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. (Zephaniah 3:14)
10 ‘Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion! For behold, I come and I will dwell within you,’ says The LORD. (Zechariah 2:10)
10 Again he says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” (Romans 15:10)
11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe. (Philippians 3:1)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
16 Always rejoice. (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
God's Commandments To Rejoice
In Leviticus and Deuteronomy, we see God's instructions to the Israelites about how to worship him. Part of the worship instructions include rejoicing before the LORD.
It brings to mind how when Elijah was contesting with the prophets of Baal, to show them whose God is the real one who will answer them by sending fire from the sky. The 450 prophets of Baal tried to get their god Baal's attention by crying aloud, cutting themselves and hurting themselves (1 Kings 18:28). Whereas for Elijah just talked to God like normal conversation and then God answered by fire.
God is distinguishing himself to be the real God who does not need people to "trick" him by inflicting injury on themselves. Rather God is a God of love and he wants the best for his people. He rather his beloved people rejoice before Him.
There are also various mentions of different feasts and how they are to be celebrated in the following bible verses.
39 “ ‘So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of The LORD seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before The LORD your God seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a feast to The LORD seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations. You shall keep it in the seventh month. (Leviticus 23:39–41)
4 You shall not do so to The LORD your God. 5 But to the place which The LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and you shall come there. 6 You shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, your free will offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock there. 7 There you shall eat before The LORD your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which The LORD your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:4–7)
10 But when you go over the Jordan and dwell in the land which The LORD your God causes you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around you, so that you dwell in safety, 11 then it shall happen that to the place which The LORD your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to The LORD. 12 You shall rejoice before The LORD your God—you, and your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you. (Deuteronomy 12:10–12)
17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your free will offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand; 18 but you shall eat them before The LORD your God in the place which The LORD your God shall choose: you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates. You shall rejoice before The LORD your God in all that you put your hand to. (Deuteronomy 12:17–18)
26 You shall trade the money for whatever your soul desires: for cattle, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you. You shall eat there before The LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. (Deuteronomy 14:26)
11 You shall rejoice before The LORD your God: you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite who is within your gates, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are among you, in the place which The LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there. 12 You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt. You shall observe and do these statutes. (Deuteronomy 16:11–12)
13 You shall keep the feast of booths seven days, after you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your wine press. 14 You shall rejoice in your feast, you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow who are within your gates. (Deuteronomy 16:13–14)
15 You shall keep a feast to The LORD your God seven days in the place which The LORD chooses, because The LORD your God will bless you in all your increase and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be altogether joyful. (Deuteronomy 16:15)
10 Now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, The LORD, have given me.” You shall set it down before The LORD your God, and worship before The LORD your God. 11 You shall rejoice in all the good which The LORD your God has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is among you. (Deuteronomy 26:10–11)
6 You shall build The LORD your God’s altar of uncut stones. You shall offer burnt offerings on it to The LORD your God. 7 You shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there. You shall rejoice before The LORD your God. 8 You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” (Deuteronomy 27:6–8)
18 The word of The LORD of Heavenly Armies came to me. 19 The LORD of Heavenly Armies says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.” (Zechariah 8:18–19)
47 Because you didn’t serve The LORD your God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; 48 therefore you will serve your enemies whom The LORD sends against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in lack of all things. He will put an iron yoke on your neck until he has destroyed you. (Deuteronomy 28:47–48)
When God Rejoices
God Rejoices Over His People
God does not have double standards. He instructed us to rejoice before him, before he first rejoiced in his beloved people.
Here are some bible verses of how God rejoice over his people.
How does it make you feel when you think of God rejoicing over you? Do you feel that you matter to him?
9 The LORD your God will make you prosperous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, for good; for The LORD will again rejoice over you for good, as he rejoiced over your fathers, (Deuteronomy 30:9)
5 For as a young man marries a virgin, so your sons will marry you. As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you. (Isaiah 62:5)
41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul. (Jeremiah 32:41)
9 This city will be to me for a name of joy, for praise, and for glory, before all the nations of the earth, which will hear all the good that I do to them, and will fear and tremble for all the good and for all the peace that I provide to it. (Jeremiah 33:9)
17 The LORD, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
God Rejoices When One Turns Back To Him
Here are some bible verses which are parables told by Jesus to teach us how God feels about those who repent of their erring ways and turn back to Him. God does not think a sinner is less valuable than a righteous person at all.
The bible verses below talk about how there is more rejoicing in heaven over 1 sinner who repents than over 99 people who need no repentance. And also the bible verse below about the woman who found her 1 lost coin out of 10 coins.
People may think they don't matter to God, but God definitely cares about them, even if they think they have lesser value than all the others combined, God will still leave the 99 to seek the 1 astray.
These bible verses are encouraging to me that when someone repents the angels will rejoice and if we can be that encourager to someone, it will matter greatly.
12 What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray? 13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12–14)
5 When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 When he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. (Luke 15:5–7)
8 “Or what woman, if she had ten drachma coins, if she lost one drachma coin, wouldn’t light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until she found it? 9 When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost!’ 10 Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting.” (Luke 15:8–10)
23 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost, and is found. (Luke 15:32)
God Rejoices When His People Are Wise
When we are wise, God will rejoice over us.
15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine. (Proverbs 23:15)
24 The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. (Proverbs 23:24)
25 Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice! (Proverbs 23:25)
What To Have Joy In
In this section, we will look at a list of different bible verses of what we can have joy in.
Joy In Jesus
There will be more bible verses in a later section here about why we can rejoice in Jesus later on, to skip to that, click on the Table Of Contents: "Reasons for Joy".
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; (Philippians 3:3)
Joy In The LORD
Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago to show us how God really is! As Jesus himself is God. The LORD GOD, Jesus and The Holy Spirit are the Holy Triune God. Though they have distinct personalities and from each other, but they are all together in one. The Triune God is also known as the Trinity.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:2)
3 Oh, send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy hill, to your tents. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God. (Psalm 43:3–4)
11 But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced. (Psalm 63:11)
16 In your name they rejoice all day. In your righteousness, they are exalted. (Psalm 89:16)
34 Let my meditation be sweet to him. I will rejoice in The LORD. (Psalm 104:34)
16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in The LORD. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:16)
17 For even though the fig tree doesn’t flourish, nor fruit be in the vines, the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food, the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in The LORD. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, (Luke 1:47)
4 Also delight yourself in The LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
19 The humble also will increase their joy in The LORD, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 29:19)
2 Let Israel rejoice in him who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (Psalm 149:2)
46 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord. 47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked at the humble state of his servant. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed. (Luke 1:46–48)
7 Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their heart will rejoice as through wine. Yes, their children will see it and rejoice. Their heart will be glad in The LORD. (Zechariah 10:7)
Joy In God's Presence
The ark represented God's presence as it contained the two stone tablets of the ten commandments, Aaron's budded rod and a pot of manna.
13 The people of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it. (1 Samuel 6:13)
12 David was told, “The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of God’s ark.” So David went and brought up God’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy. (2 Samuel 6:12)
25 So David, the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands went to bring the ark of The LORD’s covenant up out of the house of Obed-Edom with joy. (1 Chronicles 15:25)
8 I have set The LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety. 10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever more. (Psalm 16:8-11)
6 For you make him most blessed forever. You make him glad with joy in your presence. (Psalm 21:6)
4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High. (Psalm 46:4)
2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great King. (Psalm 48:2)
24 Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24–25)
28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence. (Acts 2:28)
7 I will bring these to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56:7)
Joy In The Holy Spirit
We can rejoice in the Holy Spirit too as this bible verse below showed us to.
21 In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.” (Luke 10:21)
44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy! (Luke 1:44)
17 for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:15–17)
Joy In God's Word
When I'm behind in reading the bible or doing some homework book for the small group that we attend, I sometimes try to rush through the readings and when there are more readings to be done, I would feel overwhelmed and trying to just "get them done". But here, I'm reminded that I need to look at God's word in a new light- to delight and be joyful to read his word.
Really, it is such a great gift for us to have God's word and to know what he teaches us about life and how to live for Him. Without his word, we will all be so lost and in such a great darkness.
The next time I do my bible reading homework I will rejoice in this great privilege to read his word.
There are still many countries where The Bible is not allowed to be publicly shared. Here in the US we can read it freely, praise be to GOD!
No LORD, it is not a chore to read your word, your word is my light and my delight. Please forgive me for the wrong attitude I was having. Thank you for your words in these bible verses that are able to correct me.
God's word is truth!
1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears The LORD, who delights greatly in his commandments. (Psalm 112:1)
14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches. (Psalm 119:14)
35 Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them. (Psalm 119:35)
92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. (Psalm 119:92)
143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight. (Psalm 119:143)
162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder. (Psalm 119:162)
16 Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart, for I am called by your name, The LORD, God of Armies. (Jeremiah 15:16)
4 Love is patient and is kind. Love doesn’t envy. Love doesn’t brag, is not proud, 5 doesn’t behave itself inappropriately, doesn’t seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; 6 doesn’t rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; (1 Corinthians 13:4–6)
Joy In God's Kingdom
The bible verses here tell us about the joy that God's Kingdom can bring. When we find that Kingdom, the joy will be so great that we are willing to give up our other valuables just to obtain that Kingdom.
44 Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. (Matthew 13:44)
17 Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 In the same way, you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17–18)
10 I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ has come; for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night. 11 They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death. 12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has but a short time.” (Revelation 12:10–12)
6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns! 7 Let’s rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let’s give the glory to him. For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:6–7)
34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. (Hebrews 10:34)
Joy In Our Salvation
Jesus has saved us from our sins by his death on the cross and he brought the promise of eternal and new life through his resurrection 3 days after his death. Jesus has paid the punishment we deserve for our sins. We are now saved when we believe in Jesus' salvation and we can rejoice in it!
How do you feel when you think about yourself being saved by God from the worst thing ever? I will feel joy and relief!
10 I will greatly rejoice in The LORD! My soul will be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10)
1 The king rejoices in your strength, The LORD! How greatly he rejoices in your salvation! 2 You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. (Psalm 21:1–2)
1 Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart exults in The LORD! My horn is exalted in The LORD. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. (1 Samuel 2:1)
14 that I may show all of your praise. I will rejoice in your salvation in the gates of the daughter of Zion. (Psalm 9:14)
5 But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. (Psalm 13:5)
9 My soul shall be joyful in The LORD. It shall rejoice in his salvation. (Psalm 35:9)
Joy In Worshipping God
The bible verses below talk about how worshipping God is done in a joyful way.
16 David spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brothers as singers with instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up their voices with joy. (1 Chronicles 15:16)
16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let such as love your salvation say continually, “Let The LORD be exalted!” (Psalm 40:16)
4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to God’s house, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day. (Psalm 42:4)
5 My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches. (Psalm 63:5–6)
Joy When Undergoing Persecution Because Of Jesus
Being persecuted because of our faith in Jesus is a very painful thing to go through, because when we are persecuted for our faith, we may experience abuse, rejection, cut-offs by family members, or we may even be killed for it.
Jesus taught us to rejoice when we are persecuted for his sake in the bible verses below, in Matthew 5:11-12 and Luke 6:22-23, because our reward would be great in heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11–12)
22 Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. (Luke 6:22–23)
40 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. (Acts 5:40–41)
13 But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice, that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)
Joy In Doing God's Will
The bible also encourages us to have joy to do God's will.
8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart. (Psalm 40:8)
Joy In Difficult Times
When we are going through difficult times, the bible teaches us that we can still be joyful in those situations. For more on bible verses about hope in difficult times, click here.
2 For he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings, 6 in pureness, in knowledge, in perseverance, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true, 9 as unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold—we live, as punished and not killed, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6:2–10)
3 I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction. (2 Corinthians 7:3–4)
1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, 2 how in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. (2 Corinthians 8:1–2)
9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don’t cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love, 14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. (Colossians 1:9–14)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly, 25 of which I was made a servant according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:24–27)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)
Joy In Hope
The bible also teaches us that we also can be joyful when we are hoping. For more on bible verses about hope in difficult times, click here.
1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1–5)
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. 10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another, 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, enduring in troubles, continuing steadfastly in prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, and given to hospitality. (Romans 12:9–13)
Joy In God's Created Day
Everyday is God's created day, and everyday we can be joyful according to this bible verse below.
We can rejoice even in the day of small things!
24 This is the day that The LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)
10 Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are The LORD’s eyes, which run back and forth through the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:10)
Joy In God's Works
God's works are all around us in nature. We can also rejoice in all that he has done for us in our lives as well according to the bible verses below. God's creation of a new heavens and a new earth for his people to rejoice in is a promise as stated in the bible verse below.
7 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered, nor come into mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a delight, and her people a joy. 19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and delight in my people; and the voice of weeping and the voice of crying will be heard in her no more. (Isaiah 65:17–19)
31 Let The LORD’s glory endure forever. Let The LORD rejoice in his works. (Psalm 104:31)
111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. (Psalm 119:111)
37 As he was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37–38)
21 Land, don’t be afraid. Be glad and rejoice, for The LORD has done great things. (Joel 2:21)
4 For you, The LORD, have made me glad through your work. I will triumph in the works of your hands. (Psalm 92:4)
Joy In Fellow Believers Who Also Fear God
When we follow God faithfully and stand firm in our faith in Jesus, we bring joy to those who teach us God's word, just like in the bible verses below. The people in the bible rejoiced in their fellow believers when they hear how they are following Jesus.
74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:74)
19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil. (Romans 16:19)
24 We don’t control your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith. (2 Corinthians 1:24)
1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow. 2 For if I make you grieve, then who will make me glad but he who is made to grieve by me? 3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all that my joy would be shared by all of you. (2 Corinthians 2:1–3)
9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect. (2 Corinthians 13:9)
1 Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. (Philippians 4:1)
5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:5)
4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father. (2 John 4)
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth. (3 John 2–3)
Joy In Fellowship
In the bible verses below, we see how believers have joy in each other, when they gather together and thanking God for their friends in Jesus Christ. We too can rejoice in our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, (Acts 2:46)
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. (1 Corinthians 16:17)
13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. (2 Corinthians 7:13)
16 I rejoice that in everything I am confident concerning you. (2 Corinthians 7:16)
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, 5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:3–6)
1 If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2 make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4 each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. (Philippians 2:1–4)
10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. (Philippians 4:10)
3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, in you also. (2 Timothy 1:3–5)
7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 7)
12 Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full. (2 John 12)
30 Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest. (Romans 15:30–32)
20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord. (Philemon 20)
Joy In God's People
The bible verses here also tell us that we can rejoice in God's people!
4 Remember me, The LORD, with the favor that you show to your people. Visit me with your salvation, 5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance. (Psalm 106:4–5)
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don’t remember you, if I don’t prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy. (Psalm 137:6)
4 For The LORD takes pleasure in his people. He crowns the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)
10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn over her; 11 that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. (Isaiah 66:10–11)
25 How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy? (Jeremiah 49:25)
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn’t it even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming? 20 For you are our glory and our joy. (1 Thessalonians 2:19–20)
9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:9–10)
Joy In Serving The LORD
We can choose to be joyful when we are serving God either in church, in our work, in our families, or in our daily life! Other believers can also be joyful for your service in the church too!
2 Serve The LORD with gladness. Come before his presence with singing. (Psalm 100:2)
28 They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice. (Psalm 109:28)
44 On that day, men were appointed over the rooms for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them according to the fields of the cities the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites who served. (Nehemiah 12:44)
14 Behold, my servants will sing for joy of heart, but you will cry for sorrow of heart, and will wail for anguish of spirit. (Isaiah 65:14)
Joy In Our Work
According to these bible verses below, we can also be joyful when we are doing our work. If you do your work with a joyful heart, how will it change the way you work?
10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn’t keep from them. I didn’t withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor. (Ecclesiastes 2:10)
22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his works, for that is his portion; for who can bring him to see what will be after him? (Ecclesiastes 3:22)
19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart. (Ecclesiastes 5:19–20)
Joyful With Others Who are Joyful
The bible verses below teaches us to rejoice when our friends are joyful and weep with those who weep.
And when we know someone who is honored, we should rejoice with them too.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)
26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. When one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26)
Joy In Giving
This bible verse teaches us that when we give, we should be happy about the decision, for God loves such joyful, willing giving.
It is a great privilege to be able to give an offering to the LORD, as God has blessed us with the ability to work and all that we have belongs to him. To read more about offerings in Church, click here.
7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
9 Then the people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to The LORD; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy. (1 Chronicles 29:9)
17 I know also, my God, that you try the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. Now I have seen with joy your people, who are present here, offer willingly to you. (1 Chronicles 29:17)
18 Jehoiada appointed the officers of The LORD’s house under the hand of the Levitical priests, whom David had distributed in The LORD’s house, to offer the burnt offerings of The LORD, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as David had ordered. (2 Chronicles 23:18)
10 All the princes and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had filled it. (2 Chronicles 24:10)
Joy In Good Times
When things are going well, when we are having a good time, we should be joyful in those times according to the bible verses below. Let not worry or anxiety weigh you down so much that you cannot even be joyful when good times come!
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14)
8 Yes, if a man lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 11:8)
9 Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
Joy In Our Food
Here are some other miscellaneous bible verses that talked about what we can have joy in. We can have joy in what we have to eat! Eating can be a truly joyful break to have.
7 Go your way—eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works. (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
Joy In Your Spouse
If you are married, the bible verses here below encourage you to rejoice and be happy about your spouse and live happily with him or her.
18 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. (Proverbs 5:18)
4 Take me away with you. Let’s hurry. The king has brought me into his rooms. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! They are right to love you. (Song of Solomon 1:4)
9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity, for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 9:9)
Reasons For Joy
Here is a collection of bible verses that can help remind you on reasons to be joyful!
God Gives People Joy
Joy comes from God and the true joy that God gives people is greater than any worldly joy.
7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased. (Psalm 4:7)
43 They offered great sacrifices that day, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even far away. (Nehemiah 12:43)
27 Honor and majesty are before him. Strength and gladness are in his place. (1 Chronicles 16:27)
17 Yet he didn’t leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. (Acts 14:17)
18 About Zebulun he said, “Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents. 19 They will call the peoples to the mountain. There they will offer sacrifices of righteousness, for they will draw out the abundance of the seas, the hidden treasures of the sand.” (Deuteronomy 33:18–19)
Joyful Because God Is Our God
16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation. Her saints will shout aloud for joy. (Psalm 132:16)
Happy are the people who are in such a situation. Happy are the people whose God is The LORD. (Psalm 144:15)
5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in The LORD, his God, (Psalm 146:5)
5 Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds. (Psalm 149:5)
41 Now therefore arise, The LORD God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength. Let your priests, The LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness. (2 Chronicles 6:41)
11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice. Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. (Psalm 5:11)
21 For our heart rejoices in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. (Psalm 33:21)
Joyful As Knowing God Who Is Good Is In Control
If uncertainty leads to worry and fear, then we can have certainty in knowing that God is in control, according to these bible verses below. God will come to judge the world with righteousness.
31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” 32 Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is in it! 33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before The LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Oh give thanks to The LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:31–34)
1 Oh clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with the voice of triumph! 2 For The LORD Most High is awesome. He is a great King over all the earth. 3 He subdues nations under us, and peoples under our feet. 4 He chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. (Psalm 47:1–4)
4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you will judge the peoples with equity, and govern the nations on earth. Selah. (Psalm 67:4)
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness! 12 Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy 13 before The LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth. (Psalm 96:11–13)
1 The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad! (Psalm 97:1)
8 Zion heard and was glad. The daughters of Judah rejoiced because of your judgments, The LORD. (Psalm 97:8)
Joyful Because Of The Best Gift From God: Jesus
What is the best present you have ever received in your life from someone? The bible verses below tell us about the great gift of Jesus Christ to everyone from God. To learn more about putting your trust in Jesus, click here.
The good news below in Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 2:10-11 that the Savior of the world has already come- He is Jesus. He has brought us freedom from our sins, forgiveness of our sins, made right with God and eternal life, through Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus, he has brought reconciliation to those who believe in him to be at peace in their relationship with God.
Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem as prophesied by Zechariah.
Jesus overcame death on the cross and he resurrected from death to life as he is God.
One day when we see Jesus in heaven, we will have great joy then.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 8 whom, not having known, you love. In him, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory, 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3–9)
3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the plunder. 4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian. 5 For all the armor of the armed man in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire. 6 For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of The LORD of Armies will perform this. (Isaiah 9:3–7)
1 The Lord The LORD’s Spirit is on me, because The LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to those who are bound, 2 to proclaim the year of The LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of The LORD, that he may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:1–3)
10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)
11 Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:11)
9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10–11)
8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. 9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. (Matthew 28:8–9)(
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:38–41) - Jesus speaking to the disciples after his resurrection.
50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24:50–53)
29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore my joy is made full. (John 3:29)
54 Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. 55 You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I don’t know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I know him and keep his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it and was glad.” (John 8:54–56)
28 You heard how I told you, ‘I am going away, and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I. (John 14:28)
10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. (John 15:10–11)
20 Most certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. 22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. (John 16:20–22) (Jesus speaking)
24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full. (John 16:24) (Jesus speaking)
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31-33)
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have kept those whom you have given me. None of them is lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. (John 17:12–13)
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20)
25 For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope, 27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. (Acuts 2:15-27)
1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1–5)
25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, (Philippians 1:25)
Joyful Because Of Our Salvation
The next time you are undergoing a difficult time, you may think about your salvation through Jesus and how God has already saved you from the worst thing ever. The bible verses below show how because of how God has saved us through Jesus, we can be joyful!
23 My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you! (Psalm 71:23)
2 "Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for God, The LORD, is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.” 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation. (Isaiah 12:2–3)
9 It shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God! We have waited for him, and he will save us! This is The LORD! We have waited for him. We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation!” 10 For The LORD’s hand will rest in this mountain. Moab will be trodden down in his place, even like straw is trodden down in the water of the dunghill. (Isaiah 25:9–10)
46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from yourselves, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’ ” 48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46–48)
25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened. 27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Don’t harm yourself, for we are all here!” 29 He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, 30 brought them out, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. 33 He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. 34 He brought them up into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly with all his household, having believed in God. (Acts 16:25–34)
Joyful Because Of Testifying For Jesus
When there is an opportunity to share about Jesus to others, and when the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, there is joy!
2 I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews, (Acts 26:2)
18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)
4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled. (1 John 1:4)
Joyful Because of Bringing Others Into God's Fold
When we share Jesus' good news of salvation to others and lead them back towards God, we can also experience the great joy that comes from that!
Even though sometimes when we try to share God's love to others, we may experience rejection, pain and sadness from the process, such as mentioned in Psalm 126:5 as sowing seeds, when harvest time comes, we will be joyful.
34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already. 36 He who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven’t labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” (John 4:34–38)
39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:39)
5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves. (Psalm 126:5–6)
Joy When People Turned Back To God
When people understand God's word and choose to turn back towards him, they will feel a joy in their hearts.
15 All Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found by them. Then The LORD gave them rest all around. (2 Chronicles 15:15)
12 All the people went their way to eat, to drink, to send portions, and to celebrate, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. (Nehemiah 8:12)
4 He ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. (Luke 19:4–6)
8 For though I grieved you with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you grieve, though just for a while. 9 I now rejoice, not that you were grieved, but that you were grieved to repentance. For you were grieved in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing. (2 Corinthians 7:8–9)
21 The children of Israel who had returned out of the captivity, and all who had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land to seek The LORD, the God of Israel, ate, 22 and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy; because The LORD had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of God, the God of Israel’s house. (Ezra 6:21–22)
Joy When Experiencing Spiritual Revival
When you experience or witness a spiritual revival of many people turning back to God and experiencing God's great works among them, you will have great joy too, as these bible verses described some.
12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice. Many also shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard far away. (Ezra 3:12–13)
16 The children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. (Ezra 6:16)
7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 There was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:7–8)
25 All the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly who came out of Israel, and the foreigners who came out of the land of Israel and who lived in Judah, rejoiced. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was nothing like this in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 30:25–26)
3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers. (Acts 15:3)
Joy When Experiencing God's Deliverance
The following are some bible verses that talked about the joy that is experienced when God saved his people from their enemies, or deliver them from a bad place and leading them into a good one.
8 Moses told his father-in-law all that The LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how The LORD delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which The LORD had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. (Exodus 18:8–9)
29 You are happy, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by The LORD, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places. (Deuteronomy 33:29)
5 for he put his life in his hand and struck the Philistine, and The LORD worked a great victory for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill David without a cause? (1 Samuel 19:5)
7 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for The LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies. (2 Chronicles 20:27)
1 I will extol you, The LORD, for you have raised me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me. (Psalm 30:1)
6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. (Psalm 53:6)
6 He turned the sea into dry land. They went through the river on foot. There, we rejoiced in him. (Psalm 66:6)
43 He brought his people out with joy, his chosen with singing. (Psalm 105:43)
29 You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to The LORD’s mountain, to Israel’s Rock. (Isaiah 30:29)
1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose. 2 It will blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. Lebanon’s glory will be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They will see The LORD’s glory, the excellence of our God. (Isaiah 35:1–2)
10 Then The LORD’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. (Isaiah 35:10)
11 Those ransomed by The LORD will return, and come with singing to Zion. Everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Isaiah 51:11)
6 As they came, when David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. (1 Samuel 18:6)
16 The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. 17 In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast and a holiday. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen on them. (Esther 8:16–17)
6 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to The LORD. (Psalm 27:6)
12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace. The mountains and the hills will break out before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)
Joy When Witnessing God's Miracles
God's miracles are part of his great works. From the bible verses below, the people were very happy when they experienced God's miracles.
17 As he said these things, all his adversaries were disappointed; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. (Luke 13:17)
14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she didn’t open the gate for joy, but ran in and reported that Peter was standing in front of the gate. (Acts 12:14)
17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17)
Joy When Justice Is Served
The Babylon King had done great acts of cruelty, violence and massacre to the people of Israel, including babies. Here the bible verses in the Old Testament stated about joy when justice is dealt out.
Later on when Jesus came, he taught us a reverse dynamic of loving our enemies and repaying evil with good, which revolutionized the world.
8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who repays you, as you have done to us. (Psalm 137:8)
48 “Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, will sing for joy over Babylon; for the destroyers will come to her from the north,” says The LORD. (Jeremiah 51:48)
9 Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock. (Psalm 137:9)
11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments. (Psalm 48:11)
25 All the offspring of Israel will be justified in The LORD, and will rejoice! (Isaiah 45:25)
43 Rejoice, you nations, with his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants. He will take vengeance on his adversaries, and will make atonement for his land and for his people. (Deuteronomy 32:43)
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, (Psalm 58:10)
Joy Because Of Restoration
When a land is restored from destruction, and the blessing of God visits the land again, there will be great joy.
Similarly, when our spiritual lives are restored, we will feel joy too.
15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no one passed through you, I will make you an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. (Isaiah 60:15)
7 Instead of your shame you will have double. Instead of dishonor, they will rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double. Everlasting joy will be to them. (Isaiah 61:7)
7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When The LORD restores the fortunes of his people, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. (Psalm 14:7)
10 The LORD says: “Yet again there will be heard in this place, about which you say, ‘It is waste, without man and without animal, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without animal,’ 11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who say, ‘Give thanks to The LORD of Armies, for The LORD is good, for his loving kindness endures forever;’ who bring thanksgiving into The LORD’s house. For I will cause the captivity of the land to be reversed as at the first,” says The LORD. (Jeremiah 33:10–11)
Joyful Because Of Encouragement From Fellow Believers
Our Christian brothers and sisters are a great source of encouragement for us. As we are walking on the same road of faith in learning to be more like Jesus, sometimes an encouraging word, or an act can bring great joy to others, just like these bible verses below.
30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement. (Acts 15:30–31)
5 For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside. 6 Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not by his coming only, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you while he told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. (2 Corinthians 7:5–7)
27 For indeed he was sick nearly to death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow. 28 I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and hold such people in honor, 30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. (Philippians 2:27–30)
Joyful Because Of Experiencing God's Faithfulness, Mercy and Help
The following bible verses are about joy when one experiences God's faithfulness, mercy and help.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him. (Psalm 28:7)
7 For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:7)
18 When I said, “My foot is slipping!” Your loving kindness, The LORD, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:18–19)
1 When The LORD brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad." (Psalm 126:1–3)
7 For The LORD says, “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout for the chief of the nations. Publish, praise, and say, ‘The LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel!’ (Jeremiah 31:7)
58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. (Luke 1:58)
Joy From God's Comfort
After a season or period of mourning or sadness, when we experience God's comfort, there will be joy from it too!
3 For The LORD has comforted Zion. He has comforted all her waste places, and has made her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of The LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in them, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. (Isaiah 51:3)
9 Break out into joy! Sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for The LORD has comforted his people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. (Isaiah 52:9)
5 For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)
11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness, 12 to the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. The LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever! (Psalm 30:11–12)
13 Sing, heavens, and be joyful, earth! Break out into singing, mountains! For The LORD has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his afflicted. (Isaiah 49:13)
12 For The LORD says, “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream, and you will nurse. You will be carried on her side, and will be dandled on her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem.” 14 You will see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones will flourish like the tender grass. The LORD’s hand will be known among his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies. (Isaiah 66:12–14)
13 Then the virgin will rejoice in the dance, the young men and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow. (Jeremiah 31:13)
Joy From God's Goodness To Us
God's goodness includes his loving kindness to us, when we think of his goodness we can be joyful!
65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before The LORD our God, seven days and seven more days, even fourteen days. 66 On the eighth day he sent the people away; and they blessed the king, and went to their tents joyful and glad in their hearts for all the goodness that The LORD had shown to David his servant, and to Israel his people. (1 Kings 8:65–66)
10 On the twenty-third day of the seventh month, he sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that The LORD had shown to David, to Solomon, and to Israel his people. (2 Chronicles 7:10)
7 I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities. (Psalm 31:7)
Joy From God's Providence
When we thank God for all that He has provided for us, we can be joyful!
36 Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because of that which God had prepared for the people; for the thing was done suddenly. (2 Chronicles 29:36)
23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in The LORD, your God; for he gives you the early rain in just measure, and he causes the rain to come down for you, the early rain and the latter rain, as before. (Joel 2:23)
Joyful Because Of A Leader That Brings Hope
There were times in the bible when the people were joyful when there was a new leader that was raised and they were joyful about it and hopeful. To read more about bible verses about leadership, click here. This kind of joy in a human leader may last only for a while.
15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before The LORD in Gilgal. There they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before The LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. (1 Samuel 11:15)
39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the Tent, and anointed Solomon. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 All the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with their sound. (1 Kings 1:39–40)
45 Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon. They have come up from there rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that you have heard. (1 Kings 1:45)
7 When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, and said, “Blessed is The LORD today, who has given to David a wise son to rule over this great people.” (1 Kings 5:7)
40 Moreover those who were near to them, as far as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, on camels, on mules, and on oxen: supplies of flour, cakes of figs, clusters of raisins, wine, oil, cattle, and sheep in abundance; for there was joy in Israel. (1 Chronicles 12:40)
22 and ate and drank before The LORD on that day with great gladness. They made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him before The LORD to be prince, and Zadok to be priest. (1 Chronicles 29:22)
13 Then she looked, and behold, the king stood by his pillar at the entrance, with the captains and the trumpeters by the king. All the people of the land rejoiced and blew trumpets. The singers also played musical instruments, and led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah tore her clothes, and said, “Treason! treason!” (2 Chronicles 23:13)
17 Happy are you, land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! (Ecclesiastes 10:17)
31 If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid. 32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. (John 5:31–35)
Joyful When An Evil Leader Is Removed
On the other hand, when an evil leader is removed from the position, there is great joy too.
There is a video about Queen Athaliah too.
13 When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into The LORD’s house; 14 and she looked, and behold, the king stood by the pillar, as the tradition was, with the captains and the trumpets by the king; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!” (2 Kings 11:13–14)
19 He took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the king from The LORD’s house, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. He sat on the throne of the kings. 20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword at the king’s house. (2 Kings 11:19–20)
21 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. They had slain Athaliah with the sword. (2 Chronicles 23:21)
Bring Your Leaders Joy
The bible verse below teaches us that when we obey our (spiritual) leaders and submit to them, our leaders (pastors or church leaders) will then have joy.
How to bring your leaders joy17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)
Joyful When Dealing Righteously
The bible teaches us that living a righteous life according to God's way can bring us joy.
19 if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with his house today, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you; (Judges 9:19)
11 Be glad in The LORD, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11)
1 Rejoice in The LORD, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright. 2 Give thanks to The LORD with the lyre. Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings. 3 Sing to him a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy! 4 For The LORD’s word is right. All his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of The LORD. (Psalm 33:1–5)
27 Let those who favor my righteous cause shout for joy and be glad. Yes, let them say continually, “May The LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of his servant!” (Psalm 35:27)
10 The righteous shall be glad in The LORD, and shall take refuge in him. All the upright in heart shall praise him! (Psalm 64:10)
3 But let the righteous be glad. Let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them rejoice with gladness. (Psalm 68:3)
12 Be glad in The LORD, you righteous people! Give thanks to his holy Name. (Psalm 97:12)
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. “The right hand of The LORD does valiantly. (Psalm 118:15)
28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish. (Proverbs 10:28)
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting. (Proverbs 11:10)
15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity. (Proverbs 21:15)
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2)
6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad. (Proverbs 29:6)
5 You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, those who remember you in your ways. Behold, you were angry, and we sinned. We have been in sin for a long time. Shall we be saved? (Isaiah 64:5)
9 You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. (Hebrews 1:9)
Joyful Because Of Holy-Days (Holidays)
Whenever I hear the word holiday and think of it coming up soon, I feel joy and the anticipating of celebrating it. The word holiday comes from the word holy-day! The bible has shown in the Old Testament verses below that God has decreed his people to celebrate certain appointed holidays!
As we go through more of this blog post, we are seeing that God indeed does want his people to be joyful in Him.
27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps. (Nehemiah 12:27)
23 The whole assembly took counsel to keep another seven days, and they kept another seven days with gladness. (2 Chronicles 30:23)
17 All the assembly of those who had come back out of the captivity made temporary shelters and lived in the temporary shelters, for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day the children of Israel had not done so. There was very great gladness. (Nehemiah 8:17)
Joy When Angels Visited
When the angels in the bible verses visited the people to bring them good news, there was great joy.
12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Don’t be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard. Your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” (Luke 1:12–14)
28 Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!” (Luke 1:28)
8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. 11 For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.” 13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8–14)
Joyful For A Wise Child
The bible verses tell us that a wise child can bring the parents joy.
1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father; but a foolish son brings grief to his mother. (Proverbs 10:1)
20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. (Proverbs 15:20)
21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy. (Proverbs 17:21)
3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (Proverbs 29:3)
Joy When Having A Child
Having children is a joyful thing to experience, as the bible verses below show.
13 Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher. (Genesis 30:13)
9 He settles the barren woman in her home as a joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 113:9)
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:5)
Joyful When Having The Right Answer
Giving a good answer and a right word can bring joy too as the bible verses below show.
23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! (Proverbs 15:23)
16 Yes, my heart will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. (Proverbs 23:16)
How To Have Joy
This section has more bible verses on How To Have Joy.
1. Seek The Lord
10 Glory in his holy name. Let the heart of those who seek The LORD rejoice. (1 Chronicles 16:10)
4 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation continually say, “Let God be exalted!” (Psalm 70:4)
2. Asking God Directly To Give You Joy
8 Let me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which you have broken may rejoice. (Psalm 51:8)
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:12)
6 Won’t you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)
4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Lord, do I lift up my soul. (Psalm 86:4)
14 Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil. (Psalm 90:14–15)
3. Asking God To Fill You With The Holy Spirit
51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:51–52)
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23)
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7)
4. Fearing God In Reverence Of Him
1 Blessed is everyone who fears The LORD, who walks in his ways. 2 For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you. (Psalm 128:2)
5. Be A Faithful Steward
To read more about stewardship, click here.
14 “For it is like a man going into another country, who called his own servants and entrusted his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 In the same way, he also who got the two gained another two. 18 But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money. 19 “Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them. 20 He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents in addition to them.’ 21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 “He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents in addition to them.’ 23 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you didn’t sow, and gathering where you didn’t scatter. 25 I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.’ 26 “But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where I didn’t scatter. 27 You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest. 28 Take away therefore the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will be given, and he will have abundance, but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away. 30 Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ (Matthew 25:14–30)
6. Learn About Living With The Wisdom From God By Reading God's Words
God's word is a light.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding. (Proverbs 3:13)
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her. (Proverbs 3:18)
8 Happy are your men, happy are these your servants who stand continually before you, who hear your wisdom. (1 Kings 10:8)
7 Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you and hear your wisdom. (2 Chronicles 9:7)
8 The LORD’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. The LORD’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. (Psalm 19:8)
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones. (Proverbs 15:30)
7. Live In A Way That Pleases God
In order to know how to live in a way that pleases God, we will need to read his word and learn his ways.
26 For to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind. (Ecclesiastes 2:26)
8. Love Righteousness And Hate Wickedness
7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows. (Psalm 45:7)
11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11)
39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down through oppression, trouble, and sorrow. 40 He pours contempt on princes, and causes them to wander in a trackless waste. 41 Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction, and increases their families like a flock. 42 The upright will see it, and be glad. All the wicked will shut their mouths. 43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things. They will consider the loving kindnesses of The LORD. (Psalm 107:39–43)
9. Promote Peace
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace. (Proverbs 12:20)
10. Have A Cheerful Heart
13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but an aching heart breaks the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13)
15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast. (Proverbs 15:15)
11. (Natural) Fragrance Can Help
Although the modern day fragrances may be laden with chemicals and those may not be too good for the body, but in the biblical times, fragrances are more from natural sources.
9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend. (Proverbs 27:9)
12. Accept Other's Help When You Have Difficulties
11 For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me, and when the eye saw me, it commended me, 12 because I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had no one to help him, 13 the blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. (Job 29:11–13)
13. Have A Clear Conscience
10 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves. (Romans 14:22)
Wrong Reasons To Be Joyful
The bible also talked about wrong reasons to be joyful. We should be careful not to commit these sins. Here are some things that we should NOT be happy about.
1. Do Not Rejoice In Evil
15 What has my beloved to do in my house, since she has behaved lewdly with many, and the holy flesh has passed from you? When you do evil, then you rejoice. (Jeremiah 11:15)
1 Don’t rejoice, Israel, to jubilation like the nations; for you were unfaithful to your God. You love the wages of a prostitute at every grain threshing floor. (Hosea 9:1)
13 You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look on perversity, why do you tolerate those who deal treacherously and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the man who is more righteous than he, 14 and make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things that have no ruler over them? 15 He takes up all of them with the hook. He catches them in his net and gathers them in his dragnet. Therefore he rejoices and is glad. 16 Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, because by them his life is luxurious and his food is good. 17 Will he therefore continually empty his net, and kill the nations without mercy? (Habakkuk 1:13–17)
11 Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you, 12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the men who speak perverse things, 13 who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil, (Proverbs 2:11–14)
14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it. (Isaiah 5:14)
2. Do Not Rejoice Because Your Wealth Was Great
25 "If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much; 26 if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor, 27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth; 28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges, for I would have denied the God who is above. 29If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him 30 (I have certainly not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse); 31 if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been filled with his meat?’ 32 (the foreigner has not camped in the street, but I have opened my doors to the traveler); 33 if like Adam I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart, 34 because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and didn’t go out of the door— 35 oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Let the accuser write my indictment! 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, and I would bind it to me as a crown. 37 I would declare to him the number of my steps. I would go near to him like a prince. 38 If my land cries out against me, and its furrows weep together; 39 if I have eaten its fruits without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life, 40 let briers grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended. (Job 31:25–40 )
3. Do Not Rejoice When Your Enemy Falls
4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him;” lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall. (Psalm 13:4)
15 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn’t know it. They tore at me, and didn’t cease. (Psalm 35:15)
19 Don’t let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes. (Psalm 35:19)
26 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me. (Psalm 35:26)
17 Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls. Don’t let your heart be glad when he is overthrown, (Proverbs 24:17)
11 Because you are glad, because you rejoice, O you who plunder my heritage, because you are wanton as a heifer that treads out the grain, and neigh as strong horses, 12 your mother will be utterly disappointed. She who bore you will be confounded. Behold, she will be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert. 13 Because of the LORD’s wrath she won’t be inhabited, but she will be wholly desolate. Everyone who goes by Babylon will be astonished, and hiss at all her plagues. (Jeremiah 50:11-13)
6 For the Lord The LORD says: “Because you have clapped your hands, stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the contempt of your soul against the land of Israel,” (Ezekiel 25:6)
15 As you rejoiced over the inheritance of the house of Israel because it was desolate, so I will do to you. You will be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it. Then they will know that I am The LORD.’ ” (Ezekiel 35:15)
12 But don’t look down on your brother in the day of his disaster, and don’t rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don’t speak proudly in the day of distress. (Obadiah 12)
29 If I have rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found him 30 (I have certainly not allowed my mouth to sin by asking his life with a curse); 31 if the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who can find one who has not been filled with his meat?’ 32 (the foreigner has not camped in the street, but I have opened my doors to the traveler); 33 if like Adam I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart, 34 because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and didn’t go out of the door— 35 oh that I had one to hear me! Behold, here is my signature! Let the Almighty answer me! Let the accuser write my indictment! 36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, and I would bind it to me as a crown. 37 I would declare to him the number of my steps. I would go near to him like a prince. 38 If my land cries out against me, and its furrows weep together; 39 if I have eaten its fruits without money, or have caused its owners to lose their life, 40 let briers grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended. (Job 31:29–40 )
8 Don’t rejoice against me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise. When I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me. (Micah 7:8)
4. Do Not Rejoice In Foolish Or Careless Living
21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. (Proverbs 15:21)
5 The LORD spoke to me yet again, saying, 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; 7 now therefore, behold, the Lord brings upon them the mighty flood waters of the River: the king of Assyria and all his glory. It will come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks. (Isaiah 8:5–7)
15 This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her will hiss and shake their fists. (Zephaniah 2:15)
5. Do Not Rejoice In The Wrong Things
18 He said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven. 19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. 20 Nevertheless, don’t rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18–20)
12 Do horses run on the rocky crags? Does one plow there with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness, 13 you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say, ‘Haven’t we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?’ (Amos 6:12–13)
41 They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. (Acts 7:41)
5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. (Proverbs 17:5)
What To Remember When Joyful
When we are in a state of joy, we should still be reverent towards God and be careful not to sin.
When we receive God's word, we should let the word take more root in our hearts and let it grow from understanding it more and taking hold of his word.
11 Serve The LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalm 2:11)
20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. (Matthew 13:20–21)
13 He said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables? 14 The farmer sows the word. 15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. 16 These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. 17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble. 18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word, 19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times.” (Mark 4:13–20)
11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the road are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root. They believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. (Luke 8:11–13)
Prayer For Joy
You are welcome to use this prayer here to pray along to ask God for joy.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy that you have brought into my life. You have given me Jesus, the gift of life, your word, your presence, your Holy Spirit and your comfort. In all that I am going through in life right now, I ask that you can give me wisdom from you and fill me with the true joy that comes from you. During this Christmas season, I pray that my heart will be joyful and be reminded of reason for Christmas- Jesus. You have brought me joy from the salvation that comes through Jesus. Thank you.
Thank you for everything and in Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Bible version: the public domain World English Bible (WEB) has been used throughout this post. The WEB translation of "Yahweh" has been changed to "the LORD" which is more familiar to most readers.
