If you are in need of more peace in your life, there are many Bible verses about joy that you can focus on to bless your soul and brighten your day. God’s Word is filled with hope and inspiration that will remind you of what is true, good, and pure.
When we choose to focus our hearts and minds and the powerful truth of Scripture, we give ourselves the opportunity to change our perspective and outlook on our circumstances. God’s joy gives us the strength we need to endure life’s challenges, and we can choose to smile again.
What does the Bible say about Joy?
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for joy is ḥeḏvâ, which means joy, gladness, and rejoicing (source). This is the word Nehemiah used when he encouraged the people of Israel to rejoice, because the joy of the Lord was their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
In the book of Psalms, the Hebrew word rānan is used in Psalm 55:11, which means to cry out or shout for joy in praise and exaltation (source). Other Psalms use the word śimḥâ, meaning happiness, gladness, pleasure and rejoicing.
There are many words for joy, but all carry the same theme of rejoicing and gladness. We have many reasons to rejoice and give thanks to God for his many blessings, which can fill our hearts with joy and peace.
How Can I Have Joy in the Midst of Challenging Circumstances?
Since we know that life is not always joyful, how can we still have joy in the midst of challenging circumstances? One of the most well-known Bible verses about joy that expresses rejoicing in the midst of pain is the Scripture in James 1:2,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
How can we actually experience joy and gladness in the midst of seemingly hopeless situations? How can we “consider it pure joy” when we endure hardship, persecution, loss, and heartache? This is not something we can do on our own. It is not possible through our own strength, but through the fortitude and power of the Lord. His joy is our strength.
What’s the Difference Between Joy and Happiness?
Joy is not a fuzzy gooey feeling, but a powerful decision we can make daily to choose joy in the midst of our circumstances. Paul encouraged the church in Philippi to choose this same joy.
To the Philippian church he wrote,
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now…
Philippians 1:3-5
The Greek word for joy in this passage is chara, which means cheerfulness, calm delight, gladness, and exceeding joy (source). I love this definition because this type of joy cannot be manufactured, but beautifully flows from a heart that is filled to the brim with the goodness of God. How wonderful it is that we as believers have access to this type of joy through the Holy Spirit!
So how is happiness defined in Scripture? One word for happiness in the Greek comes from the word euthymeō, which means to be of good spirits, gladden, to make cheerful, to be joyful, and of good courage (source).
This type of merriness, or cheerfulness is found in Scriptures like,
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13
I also love this definition because happiness is much deeper than a fleeting emotion, but an experience of joy and fulfillment that surpasses our current circumstances. That is how we, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can still have unshakable joy and happiness in the midst of difficult situations in life.
When we rely on the supernatural joy of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, we can still experience joy in the midst of difficulty. Only through the grace of God!
29 Powerful Bible Verses About Joy
Take a look at these 29 Bible verses about joy that we can hold onto when we are in need of God’s calm delight and gladness. May these Scriptures fill your heart with joy and encouragement as you trust in him each day.
Bible Verses About Joy from the Old Testament
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. Psalm 5:11
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. Psalm 16:11
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:8
May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Psalm 20:5
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. Psalm 28:7
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy… Psalm 30:11
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Psalm 33:1
May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” Psalm 35:27
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. Psalm 43:4
You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Psalm 45:7
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:12
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy. Psalm 65:8
The meadows are covered with flocks and the valleys are mantled with grain; they shout for joy and sing. Psalm 65:13
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.
Psalm 68:3
Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:4
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. Psalm 92:4
Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy… Psalm 98:8
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 100:1
The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3
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.” Nehemiah 8:10
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3
Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones. Isaiah 49:13
Bible Verses About Joy from the New Testament
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:10-12
Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Romans 14:16-18
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:1-3
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:23-25
A Prayer for More Joy in My Life
Lord, fill my heart with joy, and remind me that my strength comes from you. When I look around at the beauty of your creation, and when I remember the salvation that you have graciously given to me, my heart sings for joy. You are good, and your love endures forever. Clothe me with your garments joy today, and flood my soul with your calm delight and gladness. Amen.
Free Printable with Scriptures on Joy
Feel free to download this FREE printable with the Bible verses about joy that were mentioned in this post, and may these Scriptures fill you with joy each day!
In Conclusion
When we use these powerful Bible verses on joy and happiness, we can pray more effectively and I hope that these Bible verses about joy will give you great encouragement and inspiration when you are in need of hope and strength.
Joy is not a fleeting emotion that wavers from day to day, but it is a powerful sense of serene delight, knowing that we serve a wonderful God who has provided for our every need. These Scriptures remind us that we serve a big God, and that nothing is too difficult for him. May his joy be our strength each day as we trust in him!
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I love to pray in the church before the other worshippers get there. As a PK I’m one of the first to get to church and the last to leave. I can say being a PK I get lost sometimes and need help stay focused. I am so glad that I found you site. it has been a blessing to me and my family. Thanks
Thank you so much Sherine! What a powerful way to begin each service! Your prayers definitely fill the church and bless those who will fill the sanctuary. What a wonderful ministry! And may the Lord bless you as a PK. I’m sure it is not always easy, and I pray that the Lord gives you peace and joy as you continue to serve Him! 🙂
What a neat resource! And I agree, praying the Word causes us to have greater joy and peace. I am so thankful for how God transforms my negative mindsets.
Amen, Kelly! Thank you for stopping by today! 🙂
I love each of these 5 ways to pray with joy. I can imagine how much pleasure it brings God when we come to him with joyful hearts!
Thanks Lisa! I definitely need these reminders each day! 🙂
Currently my husband and I read a devotion based on verses from Proverbs each morning–and then we pray together–for our family, for the church, for our country. It is helpful when we recall the answers to prayer that we have already experienced.
That is such a great idea, Carol! I love the fact that you read scripture together and pray as a couple. What a wonderful way to grow closer to the Lord and to each other at the same time! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
may God continue to bless whos ever that bring his time to teach and write this in Jesus name. amen
Amen! Thanks for visiting!
I love inserting my name or the person I am praying for into scripture. It truly brings the word of God to life for me.
I love this, Michelle! One of my high school mentors encouraged me to do this, and it has meant so much over the years. Praise God for the power of God’s Word!
I sometimes loose focus or feel like there are so many things to pray about that I started typing my prayers out on my laptop. I can keep pace with my thoughts and stay focused so much better that way.
Yes, it can definitely be challenging at times to pray for everything–there are so many things to pray about! I agree that keeping our prayers organized or categorizing our prayer requests can be very helpful!
Taking Scriptures and turning it into a prayer allows me to connect to God in a deeper soul, heart,and mind experience, to pure joy inthe Lord. Praising Him all the way. Shelia
AMEN! I absolutely LOVE praying scripture, Shelia! It’s like a double blessing–connecting to God in prayer and using His Word to heal and soothe our souls at the same time! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this beautiful post and pointing me to Philippians. My word for the year is “JOY,” and I do need to make sure I have joy in my prayers. Thank you for linking up with Grace & Truth.
Awesome, Maree! What a wonderful word to focus on this year! I pray that you will overflow with joy as you focus on our Savior! 🙂
I have been counting it joy for a while through some circumstances, waiting foe Him to rejoice over me and I know He will,
Amen! I pray that you continue to count it all joy, trusting the Lord in your circumstances. It can be so hard sometimes, but our God is truly faithful! Thanks for commenting Rebecca!
I enjoy praying on my drive to work. I can avoid distractions and I usually spend a few minutes listening to praise and worship music before I begin. It helps me set my heart and mind for a great work day!!
I love doing this! What a great way to steal some time in the day to talk to the Lord! 🙂
Sometimes I like to write down my prayers which helps me stay focused and gather my thoughts. This was yet another great post. Love your blog! Coming to you via #GraceandTruth linkup.
Thanks so much, Ashley! Writing down my prayers is definitely one of my favorite ways to pray, and then I can look back and see how he has been faithful in my life. Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂
I love Philippians! The study sounds great 🙂
Thanks Sarah! It definitely is! I really enjoy doing different kinds of studies that allow me to get creative! 🙂
I love this idea! What a great way to root God’s word in your heart. Thanks for sharing on Grace and Truth.
Thanks for visiting, Aimee! 🙂
Praying with God”s word is so useful and powerful and doing it with humility and thanksgiving in our hearts without complaining is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post.
Thanks so much for visiting, Tona! Praying God’s Word is so powerful! 🙂
Christin, I wanted to return the visit and I’m glad I did. I love to pray scripture. I’m working on a book right 31 Days of Praying Psalm 91. What a powerful prayer for us to pray over ourselves, our loved ones, and our homes. Thank you for coming by Hope Heart Home!
Philippians is one of my all-time favorite books, Christin, so I’m excited to read your thoughts on it today. I also love that Kari provides so many different ideas for how to make the Word come alive in our personal studies. Thanks for highlighting her book and for sharing your wise words as well. Have a great weekend, my friend!
Amen to joy, my friend! I am just embarking on a series about prayer, as well! I love all the encouragement here and love getting to stop by to spend some time soaking in your hope♥
Hugs,
Lori
Oh Lori! So great to see you here! I can’t wait to hear what you have to share about this powerful topic! Sending virtual hugs!! 🙂
I like to pray when I’m down on my knees on our hardwood floor. With my spinal cord disease this is a very difficult position to be in but when I’m praying I don’t feel any pain. I only feel peace. I put my hands on the floor and pray and lift them up to Jesus. Then I try to get back up. If Jesus still wants me to keep praying I won’t be physically able to get up. When He’s ready, getting up is a breeze.
Wow, Julie! That is incredible! What an amazing way that the Holy Spirit empowers you in your prayers! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Thank you for these powerful prayers. I wish that somehow we could share them with all the teachers and parents at Uvalde Texas that are currently experiencia so much sorrow and pain on the loss of the 19 children and two teachers. May we all send them prayers for strength and faith.
Yes, our prayers have been with the entire Uvalde community. May the Lord strengthen them with his peace and comfort. Thanks for sharing!
I wanted to print the study on prayer for $19 but I fear I do not have enough paper. Can you tell me how many sheets of paper I would need to print it. I really would like to have it.
Hi Laurie! If you are not able to print the entire Bible study at once, that’s ok, you can just print one week at a time. The Bible study is over 100 pages, but you don’t have to print them all at once. I will also be making print books of this study available by the end of the summer! Thanks for your question!