Joy is so much more than happiness that depends on circumstances. Biblical joy comes from who God is, what He has done and the hope we have in Him. Even in difficult times, His joy can carry us. The Bible therefore names joy as a fruit of the Spirit and a source of strength for every day.
What does the Bible say about joy?
These 23 Bible verses show that you cannot find true joy in worldly things, but only in God!
Psalm 16:11
‘You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.’
Nehemiah 8:10
'Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”'
Galatians 5:22
'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.'
Shop poster ‘Fruit of the Spirit - Joy’
Philippians 4:4
'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!'
John 15:11
‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.’
Psalm 30:5
'For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.'
Romans 15:13
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’
Isaiah 55:12
'You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.'
Psalm 4:7
‘Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.’
Psalm 118:24
‘This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.’
Shop greeting card ‘Let us rejoice’
Psalm 28:7
'The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.'
Isaiah 61:10
'I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.'
Romans 14:17
‘For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’
Psalm 5:11
'But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.'
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.'
Psalm 126:5
‘Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.’
Isaiah 12:6
‘Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.’
Luke 10:20
‘But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.’
Psalm 100:1-2
‘Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.'
Psalm 33:21
‘In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.’
Isaiah 35:10
'And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.'
Habakkuk 3:18
‘Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!’
Zephaniah 3:17
'The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.'
The joy of the Lord
The joy of the Lord is not a feeling that comes and goes with how your day looks. It is a deep assurance of His faithfulness, love and goodness. His joy transcends every circumstance and every storm. Let these Bible verses remind you that real joy doesn't come from what you feel, but from who God is. And if you're not experiencing His joy right now? Then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you again with His peace and gladness!
Want to be reminded of biblical joy every day? Then check out our posters and greeting cards with Bible verses - perfect as a reminder on the wall, on your desk or to give as a gift! 🤍
