Want to know what God says about happiness in Scripture? What do bible scriptures on joy say?  Well look no further. We’ve collected some of our favorite Bible verses about joy and happiness for you and your church!

Use these 8 Bible verses about joy in your church presentation software to take the presentation of your scriptures even more captivating! 

1. Psalm 16:11 (ESV)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

It’s easy to feel like the world around us is full of sadness and sorrow. While this occasionally is true, we know that this is only temporary. I love that in this scripture it gives us the path to life.

The path to true joy. That path is found in the presence of the Lord and it is limitless! How cool is that?! 

2. Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

One thing is for sure, our lives are filled with ups and downs… Highs and lows… The Lord isn’t unaware of this, and has made a number of promises to us in the Bible. As far as Bible verses about joy in suffering go, this is one of my favorites. There may be sadness and pain in the night, but joy is always waiting for us on the other side of our struggle. 

3. Nehemiah 8:10b (ESV)

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

I find the context of this passage really interesting! My whole life this scripture about joy has stood out to me, but I for some reason never fully grasped what it was all about. This verse is a reassurance to the people of Israel. They were being presented with the Law of the Lord and many were weeping because of it.

The Lord here is promising through Ezra that they shouldn’t be grieved, but should take the joy of the Lord and his law into their hearts. Such a powerful message!

4. Psalm 119:111 (ESV)

“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” 

Oftentimes, as humans, we can go through extremely low and difficult times. Just before the above in verse 107, David says “I am afflicted very much…”An amazing thing to notice is that even in this affliction David reminds himself and God where his loyalties stand.

He claims he does not forget the Lord’s Law, and the testimonies of the times the Lord has come through for him are his legacy and the joy of his heart. The Psalms are filled with scriptures for joy and peace, and this passage of scripture is no exception.

5. Luke 15:7 (ESV)

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

I’ve always loved this idea. We serve a God who likes to throw a party when His children come home to Him. This passage of scripture about the prodigal son illustrates this perfectly! Not only does the Lord feel joy when we humble ourselves and repent before Him, but all of heaven feels that joy too!

Oftentimes growing up I felt that nothing I could say or do would win God’s favor. I was always fighting an uphill battle to get his attention and his affection. I understand now, I really can’t earn God’s favor, because I already have it! I can’t earn what he’s given to me for free.

This scripture beautifully illustrates what God feels when we return to him.

Scriptures on the joy of the Lord are seldom expressed so beautifully as they are here in my opinion.

6. John 16:24 (ESV)

“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”

Jesus isn’t scared of our needs and desires. In fact He welcomes and wants us to be able to approach him with the specific things in life that we often disregard. Whether it is from the idea that we think we can provide for ourselves, or the idea that the Lord doesn’t take care of the small things, we often talk ourselves out of the promise of joy and peace the Lord has for us. This passage is an invitation to be specific and ask!

Working as a customer service agent for one of the most popular worship presentation software companies in the world, I often hear stories where a lightning strike unexpectedly takes out all of the computers and technology at the church. I’ve heard a number of people ask for prayers from us which I happily take part in.

There have been a lot of times where we hear stories of these churches being given new computers, donations, and other blessings that only God provides because of prayers! God  has often highlighted to me that when we ask for the things we need, He is willing to provide for His kids! This brings so much joy to us! 

7. James 1:2-3 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

Trials and tribulations are a promise from God. While His burden is light and His yoke is easy, the path we take to follow Him, often may not be. I love that even with the promise of hardships, He brings a promise even greater. A promise of faith, joy, and steadfastness.

When we go through these tests, God is encouraging us to persevere and shift our mindsets to a stronger belief. A belief that all hardships are things to rejoice in, because we know what and who is waiting for us on the other side of them.

Be Glad and Rejoice

Bible verses about joy and happiness can be found throughout the Bible many, many times. I believe especially in today’s society that there should be an increase in the attention we pay to these verses. The world around us can often be bleak and sorrowful, but just like James 1:2-3 references, the trials we face are all meant to be counted as joy in order to build us up as we continue our walk with Christ. 

What are some of your favorite scriptures on joy? Let us know in the comments below!