This post is all about the best scriptures on joy and how you can apply them to your life today.
We all long to experience joy. But for so many of us, joy seems to pass us by as we go about our day-to-day lives. If you would like to live simply in the joy that God promises to you, here are 31 of the best scriptures to help you capture that joy!
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Joy can be found in scriptures
When you are looking for joy in your life, the first place you should go is to God. He is the giver of all joy. There are many ways to experience joy through Christ: praying and talking to Him is a good place to start. Reading His word will also help you experience joy as you find out more about His character and glory. Here is a list of some of the best scriptures on joy to help you experience it in its fullness.
Best scriptures on joy in God’s presence
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.
One of the benefits of having the Lord always before you and being in His presence is that you will experience His joy and His peace that surpasses all understanding. When you are in the presence of God, you can experience joy because you have confidence in your relationship with Him.
Related post: 7 ways to have a successful daily Bible study
John 15:11
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
In this chapter, Jesus is talking to His disciples and instructing them to remain in His love by keeping His commands. You cannot experience true joy apart from the love of God, and you cannot fully experience the love and freedom that God gives if you are not obeying His commands. Here, Jesus is saying that just as God loves His son, so He also loves you. Because of this, you can experience complete joy in Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
In this passage, Paul contrasts life lived by the flesh and sinful desires with a life lived in accordance with the Holy Spirit and God’s will. When you are living in God’s presence and following His commands, He promises that He will give you the “fruits of the Spirit” which include His joy.
Acts 2:28
You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.
Acts 2 occurs when the Holy Spirit comes to rest on all those gathered and worshiping at Pentecost. Here there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and everyone gathered is in the presence of God. Here, Peter is talking and quoting from Psalms 16:8-11 where David expressed his confidence in God’s provision and protection even while faced with death. In the same way, we as Christians have this same joy rooted in Christ when we are in His presence.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in God’s presence
Here are just a few of the scriptures that talk about the joy you can experience in God’s presence. God loves you and desires to have an intimate relationship with you, filling you with complete joy and inexpressible peace.
How have you experienced joy in God’s presence? Do you find it easiest to be in God’s presence when praying or reading the scriptures? How can you grow in your relationship with God today?
Best scriptures on joy in worship and praise
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 100 calls on all people to worship God with thanksgiving and gladness. As a believer, you are called to approach the throne of God with Joy and gladness in His presence. Worship is not only a duty to be performed, but a heart posture and joyful response to God’s faithfulness and provision.
Psalm 47:1
Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Here is another psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God, encouraging all believers to God before God in worship for all He has done. The imagery of clapping hands and shouting with joy conveys a sense of exuberant celebration and enthusiastic worship. This call to worship can only be completed when you are experiencing the full and complete joy that God gives.
Psalm 98:4
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.
Psalm 98 is a celebration of God’s victory and salvation, it opens with the words “Sing to the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things.” There is so much joy to be found in the new things God is doing in your life, and you are called to express that through jubilant worship to the Creator.
Psalm 118:24
The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
As a believer, you can have confidence in God’s steadfast love and His deliverance given to you to overcome adversaries. There is joy in the salvation given by God. You have reason to rejoice because of the new day and new mercies extended to you through the grace of God.
1 Chronicles 16:31
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”
Here, a command is given to praise the Lord. Believers are to declare among all the nations that God reigns. In response to His supremacy, Christians are to have an attitude of gladness and thanksgiving. This verse is a reminder that your joy is rooted in the knowledge of God’s kingship and His steadfast love for His people.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in worship and praise
There are countless scriptures on joy that command praise and worship with thanksgiving because of all that God has done and continues to do. These verses challenge believers to cultivate an attitude of Joy regardless of circumstances. God is faithful and because of that, you have a reason to sing!
Do you worship God with thanksgiving and gladness? Does your joy come from the Lord and all He has done? How can you worship God today?
Best scriptures on joy in trials and suffering
James 1:2-3
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 is a difficult passage because it tells believers to consider whatever trials they face as pure joy. Instead of being discouraged or despaired because of trials, James gives the reminder that these trials are an opportunity for spiritual growth. There is a purpose to the trials that you face: they produce perseverance and endurance while you experience joy.
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.”
The book of Nehemiah takes place after the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, and are now trying to rebuild the Jerusalem walls. Here, the Israelites are gathered together from morning until noon to hear and learn the words of God’s perfect law. During this time, Nehemiah urges the Israelites not to mourn or grieve their struggles, but rather find joy in the Lord and in His provision.
Related post: How to choose joy when you don’t feel like it
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.
During this Psalm, David is crying out to God to give him rest from His enemies. Here, David is acknowledging that he knows that God is faithful and gives protection to His people so that they can rejoice. David is real with God about how his circumstances are hard, but he does not allow himself to linger in a place of bitterness or self-pity. Rather, he turns his focus to the God who saves and finds joy.
Job 8:21
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
Job is a man who lost everything – his wife, children, source of income – and is living without any of the comforts he once knew. Here, his friend Bildad is encouraging him with the truth that there is hope for believers because of God’s justice and faithfulness. Bildad’s words remind believers that even in times of suffering and hardship, there is hope for joy and restoration in God.
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.
Once again, the Psalmist is crying out to God for help and deliverance. Here, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s faithfulness and find refuge in His presence, while giving back worship and praise to the only one who is worthy. Although the psalmist found himself in difficult circumstances, he found peace in God’s refuge, leading to overwhelming and complete joy.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in trials and suffering
The Psalms are great places to find verses on turning your mourning into joy in the midst of difficult situations. So often, we are faced with obstacles in our life and it is easy to get wrapped up in the unknown of what will happen, but the Psalms show us that it is possible to choose joy.
Are you facing a season in your life where you are filled with fear of the unknown? How can you use scriptures on joy to help you during this time? Are there ways that you can choose to focus on God instead of your circumstances?
Best scriptures on joy in service and obedience
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.
This is one of the best scriptures on joy when considering what it looks like to have joy while being obedient to God. One of the most important things Christians are called to is prayer – communion with God. It is a natural outflow of a relationship with God as it is just talking to Him. Here we also see that rejoicing – or being joyful – is a command from God as well.
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Part of the freedom that Christians experience is the joy that comes from placing others above yourself. Here, Paul is reminding fellow believers of the importance of loving each other and allowing their service to flow naturally out of that love.
Matthew 20:26-28
Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
The absolute greatest example we have of what it means to serve others with joy comes from Jesus, who laid down His life so that we might have a relationship with God. We are to follow His example by humbling ourselves so that we also can serve others in whatever way God calls us to. The giver of joy gladly serves others, and it is in our freedom that we choose to do the same.
1 Peter 4:10-11
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
If you are unsure where to begin serving others to experience the joy God offers, then this verse is for you. Here, we are reminded that we can use WHATEVER gift God has given us. God made you uniquely His, with unique gifts and talents. You can use these gifts in serving others and experience the joy that comes with that.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in service and obedience.
These scriptures on joy demonstrate what it looks like to follow God’s example as dearly loved children and walk in the way he has called us – to serve others with great joy.
How does serving others bring you joy? Is there a specific need for someone that you can meet today? How can you find ways to serve others and experience the Joy that comes with obedience to God?
Best scriptures on joy in fellowship and community
Philippians 4:10
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Part of being in fellowship and community is caring about others’ suffering. Here, Paul is expressing his gratitude that the Philippian church has supported him and remembers him in their prayers. Despite being in difficult circumstances, Paul is grateful and filled with joy because of the faithfulness of friends.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
The Book of Hebrews addresses Jewish believers who were facing persecution and thus being tempted to revert back to their old religious beliefs. Here, the importance of community and mutual encouragement among believers is highlighted, as they are encouraged to spur one another on toward loving each other through actions and words.
Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Again, the importance of community is emphasized with the imagery that believers are all part of the same body. There is so much joy that can be experienced when you find yourself in a group of like-minded individuals who can encourage you in your faith as you grow closer in your relationships to each other and God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
A simple command, but one that is often hard to follow is given in this verse. There is joy to be found in encouraging a fellow believer through a difficult circumstance they are going through, especially if it is similar to something your have faced and overcome.
Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
One of the greatest examples of community among believers came after Jesus ascended into heaven and the new Christian church was growing. Here we can see that everyone gave freely – of their own will – to help each other in need. There was daily fellowship and breaking of bread. All this occurred while reading the words of God and establishing new believers in their faith.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in fellowship and community
There are countless examples of community and the joy that it brings in the scriptures. We are called to be in close fellowship with other believers, and to not give up meeting together.
Are you in fellowship with other believers? Do you have a solid faith community or do you need ot find one? What are some ways that you can grow in your relationships with others?
Best scriptures on joy in hope and future blessings
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
This is perhaps the most simple verse on joy in the entire Bible. The command to find joy in the Lord is not based on circumstances, just like it is not based on the individual person. Everyone is to rejoice. Always. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, yet it is characterized by themes of contentment, gratitude, and great joy. Paul is not unique: we are called to have the same joy.
Related post: 31 of the best Bible verses for resting in God
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
This comes at the end of a long section where Paul is writing about the hope and assurance that believers have in Christ. Here, Paul states a powerful truth about God’s sovereignty and providence. Despite the challenges, trials, and uncertainties that believers may face in life, God is at work in all things for their good. This “good” refers to God’s ultimate purpose of conforming believers to the image of Christ and bringing about their eternal salvation and glory.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is hope when you are in Christ. God is the source of all hope and the Holy Spirit has the power to enable all believers to live in that hope. Because of the hope found in Christ, we have reason for great joy.
Proverbs 10:28
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
Once again, we are reminded that when we are found in Christ – when we are made right with God through the finished work of Jesus on the cross – there is joy. Plain and simple joy. Complete and full joy are experienced through Christ for all believers, and this is stated throughout the scriptures.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy in hope and future blessings
As Christians, we have hope because we know that nothing on this earth has power greater than the one who gave His life so that we might live. Because of this hope found in scripture, we have joy.
Where does your hope come from? Are you filled with hope or dread for the future? How does hope in Christ lead to joy in your life?
Best scriptures on joy because of the cross
Psalm 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.
Even before the Messiah came, David wrote prophetic words talking about His life and death. But at the writing of this psalm, David was simply praising God because of His unfailing love. This is the same unfailing love for us that sent Jesus as our sacrifice and substitute so that we can rejoice in God’s love.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Here, Peter is highlighting the deep and abiding love that believers have for Christ (which was commanded in John 15), even though they do not see him. Even though we can not physically see God right now, we have a profound and glorious joy that comes from faith in Him.
Jeremiah 31:13
Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah prophesies about the restoration that will take place when Israel is restored to her land after being exiled. Here, God promises that despite their past disobedience and suffering, He will not abandon them. Oh, what joy there is to be had in knowing that God does not forsake us in our disobedience but provides chance and chance of restoration in Christ!
Related post: Uncovered joy in everyday life because of the cross
Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Praise God that He loves us enough to give us countless opportunities to be made alive in Him! We have unparalleled joy because of the life and freedom that God gives us through His son.
Reflect on these scriptures on joy because of the cross
There is joy in the salvation that we have received from Christ. This joy is both in the salvation that we will experience when we die – that will will live eternally in the presence of God. But this joy is also in that salvation that comes from God rescuing us from our own sinful nature and the consequences of sin here on this earth. We have joy in the freedom that comes from God’s law.
Which of these Scriptures on joy do you need to meditate on?
Are there one or two scriptures on joy that stand out to you more than the others? Comment below your favorite and why it was so encouraging to you!
This post was all about the best scripture on joy to help you grow in your relationship with Christ and experience complete joy in His presence.
