“And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.”—2 Samuel 6:5
The Hebrew word for “celebrate” comes from the root word “sachaq” which means “to laugh.” Worship should bubble up from an overwhelming delight of being in God’s presence. He longs to see his people responding to his goodness with exuberant abandon.
We put together this list of 10 feel good songs that you can use to add some enthusiasm to your worship set.
Hymns about joy
1. Joyful, Joyful
Henry Van Dyk was a professor of English literature at Princeton between 1899–1923 and also chaired the committee that wrote the first printed Presbyterian liturgy, The Book of Common Worship of 1906. When he was filling in as a guest preacher at Williams College, Williamstown, MA, in 1907, he found himself overwhelmed by the beauty of the Berkshire mountain. He wrote the words that would become the hymn “Joyful, Joyful.” When he walked into the college, he handed the words to the president and said, “Here’s a hymn for you. It should be sung to Beethoven’s ‘Hymn to Joy.’” Today it’s one of the most popular hymns of all time. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee, Op’ning to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day! All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea, Singing bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.2. I Stand Amazed in the Presence
Charles Gabriel has written between 7,000 and 8,000 hymns and gospel songs. While we don’t really know the background of “I Stand Amazed,” it’s an incredible expression of joy at God’s unmerited goodness and grace. I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how He could love me, A sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me! For me it was in the garden he prayed: “Not my will, but thine.” He had no tears for his own griefs, but sweat-drops of blood for mine. In pity angels beheld him, and came from the world of light to comfort him in the sorrows he bore for my soul that night. He took my sins and my sorrows, he made them his very own; he bore the burden to Calvary, and suffered and died alone. When with the ransomed in glory his face I at last shall see, ’twill be my joy through the ages to sing of his love for me.3. Joy to the World
It’s almost ironic that “Joy to the World” is one of those great songs of all time and is so closely associated with Christmas. When Isaac Watts paraphrased Psalm 98 for it, he was writing a hymn that celebrated the Lord’s second coming. His feelings were that this Psalm captured the beauty and essence of the entire Bible. To Watts, the only response to the knowledge that Christ would return to reign, rule, and release us from the curse was joy. Check out our Top 5 Christmas Worship Songs! Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing. Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.
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4. Undignified (I Will Dance) by Matt Redman
In 2 Samuel 6, King David brought the arc back into Jerusalem after conquering the Philistines. He was so overwhelmed and full of joy that he was dancing and celebrating with his subject. His wife and Saul’s daughter, Michal, was completely disgusted. When he came home, Michal met him with these words, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Sam. 6:20) David responded, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (vs.21–22) Matt Redman captures this idea with his song “Undignified.” Instead of trying to be controlled and proud in worship, “Undignified” challenges worshipers to respond with joyful surrender. I will dance I will sing to be mad for my king Nothing lord is hindering the passion in my soul I will dance I will sing to be mad for my king Nothing lord is hindering the passion in my soul And I’ll become even more undignified than this Some would say it’s foolishness but I’ll become even more undignified than this Some would say it’s foolishness5. I Could Sing of Your Love Forever by Delirious?
In a discussion about “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever,” songwriter Martin Smith remembered: “This must be back in 1994, ’93 maybe even. Couple of decades ago. And just having the space to sit on the side of a hill. There was a river running down below, I remember. It was a very simple song. It came very quickly. One of the very few that did come quickly, unfortunately, and it wrote itself in a sense.” Something about the simplicity of this song really resonated with Christians. This uncomplicated response to God’s goodness fills congregations with simple joy and good vibes. Over the mountains and the sea, Your river runs with love for me, And I will open up my heart And let the healer set me free. I’m happy to be in the truth, And I will daily lift my hands: For I will always sing of when Your love came down. I could sing of your love forever6. Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble by Delirious?
Martin Smith was praying in his church when someone told him, “When you sing, the mountains are going to tremble.” It stuck with Smith and eventually worked its way out in “Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?” It’s a prophetic song that looks forward to the return of Christ and the impact that it will have on the entire earth. Our joy in worship isn’t just a response to what we’ve experienced; it’s an anticipation to our heavenly future. And we can see that God you’re moving A mighty river through the nations When young and old return to Jesus Fling wide your heavenly gates Prepare the way of the risen Lord Open up the doors and let the music play Let the streets resound with singing Songs that bring your hope Songs that bring your joy Dancers who dance upon injustice7. Hymns of Joy by Chris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin is known for introducing popular hymns to younger audiences by adding a refrain and using it in worship. “Hymns of Joy” breathes new life into Henry Van Dyk’s “Joyful, Joyful.” Tomlin added a refrain about the coming of Emmanuel, turning it into a Christmas song, and he included it on his album Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship. Like “Joy to the World,” “Joyful, Joyful” lends itself perfectly to the joy associated with the nativity. Rejoice, rejoice! Emmanuel Your love has come Here to dwell8. The Happy Song by Delirious?
“The Happy Song” is the third (and final) Delirious? song in this list. The instrumentation in this jovial song exudes joy. The folky acoustic guitars, banjos, and harmonica creates an atmosphere of fun and exhilaration. The thing that’s so great about “The Happy Song” is that it’s just a laid-back, amusing song celebrating God’s love and salvation. Oh I could sing unending songs Of how you saved my soul Well I could dance a thousand miles Because of your great love. My heart is bursting Lord To tell of all you’ve done Of how you changed my life And wiped away the past I want to shout it out From every roof top sing For now I know that God Is for me not against me9. Joy of the Lord by Rend Collective
Gareth and Ali Gilkeson, the spouses at the center of Rend Collective, were pregnant with their second child. When they ended up miscarrying, they were heartbroken. Ali says, “It was a difficult time when we had to actively pursue joy and find our strength.” As Gareth explains it, “We chose joy, faith, and trust, rather than despair and cynicism. We wouldn’t have gotten through that time if it wasn’t for God’s strength. Most people think that joy is just for happy people or optimists. In a difficult time, joy is what gave us the strength to go on.” In the dead of night I’ll lift my eyes I’ll lift my eyes to You Though the waters rise I’ll lift my eyes I’ll lift my eyes to You While there’s hope in this heart I will praise you Lord The joy of the Lord is my strength The joy of the Lord is my strength In the darkness I’ll dance In the shadows I’ll sing The joy of the Lord is my strength10. Happy Day by Tim Hughes
Tim Hughes and a theologian friend were lamenting the fact there weren’t enough contemporary worship songs about the resurrection. Later, in reading a book about Michelangelo, Hughes was struck by the artist’s word to a painter who was depicting Christ on the cross. Michelangelo told his peer, “’Paint Him instead the Lord of life.” This led Hughes to pick up his guitar to write a song that celebrated the joy that Christ is alive and the difference that truth makes. The greatest day in history Death is beaten, You have rescued me Sing it out, Jesus is alive The empty cross, the empty grave Life eternal, You have won the day Shout it out, Jesus is alive He’s alive Oh, happy day, happy day You washed my sin away Oh, happy day, happy day I’ll never be the same Forever I am changedBonus Song: Who You Are to Me by Chris Tomlin and Lady A
Lady A has long been known in the music industry for their amazing country-pop songs. You can’t search “country music” without a music video of theirs popping up on Youtube! For this song, they teamed up with Chris Tomlin to bring a powerful worship song about joy to the masses.. Some people think You just live in cathedrals made of stone But I know You live inside my heart, I know that it’s Your home And I’ve seen You in a sunset and in the eyes of a stranger on the street That’s who You are to me You’re amazing, faithful, love’s open door When I’m empty You fill me with hunger for more Of Your mercy, Your goodness Lord, You’re the air that I breathe That’s who You are to me Who You are to meWhat are your favorite worship songs about joy?
We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what joyful songs that make you respond with joy-filled worship. Check out our other praise posts:
What a great list- thank you for putting this together! I played all these today on my program ‘Divine Time’ with my local community radio. Blessings xx
Jessica,
Thanks for sharing! We really appreciate the compliment. We hope you have a blessed day!
I wanted to know the words to Joyful, Joyful and my search led me here. This is a great list. I will listen to the songs again in this order. Thanks for taking the time to do your list. I am going to share on Facebook also.
Renee,
We are glad you found this helpful. We love serving the church and providing resources to help you all. Be blessed!
He has made me glad is another favorite of mine.
Sing for Joy – Don Moen
Thanks for these great songs!
I’m going to use the info and the songs on my program “Hallelujah” on Rainbow Gospel Radio (internet radio)
Thea,
Awesome! God’s blessings to you as you share the Gospel on your radio show.
Thank you so much for these songs I’m looking for a song that has a refrain joy joy unspeakable joy that’s all I can remember
Hey Mary! Thanks! You may be thinking of the Chris Tomlin arrangement of “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” found here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC3SwhJsLqU
There is also an older hymn called Joy Unspeakable and here is a version on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGJDH4CzkfI
Thanks and be blessed!
I am looking for the rest of the words to a song about joy. This is all I know, “There is a joy in me, a sweet and happy spirit and if by chance you hear, sing with me. There is a joy in me….
Hey there! I did a little research (including both Google and CCLI SongSelect). Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any songs that contained the phrase “Joy in me” and “sweet and happy spirit” (I narrowed the search down this far). This may be a song, but not one that I know or has received enough notice to get included on a webpage or in CCLI’s database. Maybe one of our other readers may know. I’m sorry.
Does anyone know the authorship of a song about joy that we used to sing at church in the 1980s? It goes:
chorus:
What a joy, what a joy for us to say, we’re on our way to the house of the Lord. (twice)
verse (1 of 5):
Coming to Jerusalem
On this holy ground,
City mounted on a hill
its houses all around.
Hey David,
I’ve been trying to find the information you requested. Most everything I found was that this was a popular Catholic Mass song used around Palm Sunday/Easter. However, I could not find any copyright information on it. I researched OCP (Oregon Catholic Press – ocp.org) but was unable to find the lyric there at all. I wish I had more info for you. Sorry.
They were active many years ago (well over 30) but their music was joyful and blessed myself and thousands of others. They called themselves “The 2nd Chapter of Acts. I don’t know if their music is still played but it should be. “Easter Song” make causes me to cry because it is full of such joy at the truth that Jesus rose from the dead. If you haven’t played it in a while, do so. It will bless you. If you want to be truly blessed, play “Hymns II including my favorites, “Medley”, “It is Well with My Soul”, “Morning Has Broken” (so beautifully done by Cat Stevens) and “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” I gave away many cassettes of the “Together Live” album that I ran out and was never able to find one. It was never put on CD. Also, “Rise Again” by Dallas Holmes. Thank you
Phil – I loved 2nd Chapter of Acts. They were on the forefront of Contemporary Christian Music along with people like Larry Norman. Easter Song is a classic that beautifully tells the story. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great list. But what I’m seeking is a song about JOY, as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Can you help?
Hello Judy, we tried to do a little research and came across this: “Be Full Of Joy” by Rick Muchow. CCLI Song#2975609 – We don’t know if it will work for you or not. Hope it helps!