How To Find Joy With Bible Verses In The Word

The words joy, joyful, joyed, joyfully, joyfulness, joying, and joyous are mentioned throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament over 430 times in the ESV Bible. We are encouraged to seek the joy of the Lord to find true joy. In fact, joy is part of the fruit of the spirit. The Bible encourages us to follow a path of life that will lead to joy even if that path is filled with ups and downs.

The word joy makes me smile because it helps me focus on the God of hope. This hope can be found in the New Testament where the angels proclaimed to bring good news of great joy from our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s explore how to find joy with Bible verses in the Word. The Bible teaches that there is joy in and despite our circumstances.

Joy can be found in seeking the kingdom of God, avoiding sin, finding contentment, viewing persecution as a blessing, and helping others, and Jesus. Let’s review how each of these things can bring us joy if we focus on God and not earthly things. Some of these things can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Some of these will require a heart change in order to feel joyful. Finally, God’s people will learn that joyfulness will require us to focus on Jesus. Let us make a joyful noise as we work toward doing the will of the Father.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22 ESV

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, James 1:2 ESV

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4 ESV

What is the fullness of Joy?

In God’s presence is the fullness of joy. There is much joy in spending time with the Lord. We can rest in His Word and have a simple conversation with him. When we read the Word we are blessed by the power of the Holy Spirit speaking joy into our soul. The Holy Spirit is our helper. He will teach us all the things we should know and remind us of the promises of joy. The joy of the Lord is more than good fortune, or obtaining great things.

Spiritual joy is to know that the God we serve loves us unconditionally. The fullness of joy allows us to walk through difficult situations knowing God is walking with us. Hence, this Christian joy is sent from the Kingdom of God and we can walk without fear. All these things are written in the Bible so that you can find complete joy from God.

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:11 ESV

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1:4 ESV

Joy From The Kingdom of Heaven

The kingdom of heaven is one of the promises of God if we repent of our sins and accept Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We are called to submit and serve the Lord. Everlasting joy is promised to those who seek the kingdom of heaven first. Joy is not found in having a good time while we are on Earth but in righteousness. The kingdom of heaven is where we will spend our eternal life. Our life on Earth should be spent seeking God’s righteousness. Hence, this is the joy that we seek. This joyfulness in the Kingdom of Heaven is indescribable. I can barely imagine what it will look and feel like in my limited imagination.

The Joy Of Knowing God

The joy is knowing that God prepared a place for us in the kingdom of heaven for us to be with Him. This should bring joy to all who hear the gospel. The good news of salvation. This is what the Christian life is about. Therefore we want to begin to live for God so that the kingdom of heaven becomes our pure joy. Let the Holy Spirit bring joyfulness and peace to your heart as we wait for the day we meet Jesus in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus and The Kingdom

Jesus preached about the kingdom of heaven to all of His followers. It was something that He wanted us to know so it was the main focus of His preaching. He wanted people to repent and seek the kingdom of God. From the time He began preaching His focus was on helping folks reach the Kingdom of God.

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2 ESV

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 ESV

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 ESV

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV

Sin And Joy

Sin robs us of our joy. Biblical joy is found in avoiding sin and living for God. God’s gift is finding Joy in the promise of salvation from Jesus. The promise of this gift should help us to avoid sin. We are called to avoid envy, drunkenness, sexual immorality, and other such things. To live a l life as described by the Apostle Paul. Paul endured trials of many kinds but still found joy in the Lord by avoiding sin. In the Book of Philippians Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord.

Jesus’s Teachings

Follow the teachings of Jesus so that we can avoid sin (start with Matthew Chapters 5,6, & 7). Jesus wanted us to be holy because God was holy. We are to live holy in our conduct for the God of our salvation. Sin only provides a temporary feeling of happiness but not joy. This happiness does not last long nor does the false feelings of pleasure from the sin.

Shame And Sin

However, Sin does make us feel shame, and hate, creates difficult circumstances, hurts, and leads to death. Sin separates us from God. The turning point is when we can no longer avoid the emptiness that comes from the sin that separates us from God. Only God can fill the void and longing for something more. Joy is a gift from God that helps us feel the joy of contentment. Once you feel God’s joy you want no parts of the feelings you obtain from sin. The sin can feel so right initially but the bad feelings return in time.

So you engage in more sin trying to get these feelings back again. Hence, you chase your sin like it is an addiction and become its slave. But you will never be satisfied until you end the sin and find joy in a holy way of life. If you confess and repent of this sin it will not lead to death. All repented sins God forgives will not lead to death.

envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:21 ESV

‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.’ Philippians 4:4 ESV

but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 1 Peter 1:15 ESV

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. John 8:34 ESV

All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. 1 John 5:17 ESV

Contentment And Joy

Being content leads to joy. However, you can never be content with a yearning for more and more. Gluttony and drunkenness can lead to destruction. And the love of money will snatch away any contentment you desire. If we are not content we have no joy. Our contentment should be found in the love of God. God is enough. We should never envy and covet what others have. In short, it will eat you up from the inside out.

More, more, More!

There will always be someone who has more than you. They will have more money, a bigger house, nicer clothes, and a better car. You will ask God why they have so much more than you and your desire to know why will eat you alive. Discontent will leave you with feelings of self-hate. You will feel like you never measure up.

This desire to chase what you don’t have to impress people who do not love you wastes time and money. This unending desire that cannot be filled can destroy you. Can you find joy in what the Lord has already provided for you? Can you find contentment in your maker? Are you able to submit and trust God? Do you believe He will never leave you? This could be testing of your faith. Having faith in God and being content leads to joy. It is a relief not to spin your wheels worrying about your neighbor and what they have. Consequently, covetousness is a sin.

You are More Than Enough

To God, you are enough. You are actually more than enough. Trusting in God will lead to contentment. Consequently, this will lead to joy in the Lord. You will trust and believe that God will provide for your needs, and much more. He values you above all else and will never forsake you in your need. Once you submit to God you will find that joy and contentment. You will accept that what God has for you is for you and what God has for your neighbor is there’s. Hence, you will not need to concern yourself with what others have because you have learned to be content and trust God.

for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags. Proverbs 23:21 ESV

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. Proverbs 14:30 ESV

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30 ESV

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” Exodus 20:17 ESV

Helping Others And Joy

We are called to do the work God has set aside for us to do. God wants us to love others. Therefore, we are called to help family, friends, and others when needed. This could be in the form of money, supplies, listening, encouraging, praying, or just extending a gesture of kindness. I know whenever I help others it gives me a feeling of great pleasure. There is something about doing good things for family and others that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I feel like I am doing the Lord’s work.

God’s Help

On the other hand, when I find myself in need, I seek God, who always finds a creative way to provide for my needs. I graciously accept this help. Consequently, I want to be a blessing to others but I also must allow them to be a blessing to me. I do not want to block them from a great delight in the Lord by helping me and others. This is how we bear each other’s burdens.

Do Life

Bearing these burdens allows us to “do life with” and fellowship with other Christians. Spending time with other Christians helps us to grow in our faith. Fellowship is a way to share, learn, and grow in our faith. We learn about each other and can develop stronger and deeper relationships. Hence, going to church for an hour or two on Sunday does not allow you to have deeper relationships so you know how and when to help. You learn when there is a need.

Therefore, I urge you to join a Bible Study or Life Group. You can volunteer at your church or any other Christian organization. A fun way to foster better relationships is to attend Christian retreats or conferences where you can spend quality time with other Christians.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV

For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. Psalm 72:12 ESV

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 ESV

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV

Persecution and Joy

Life can be difficult when you feel you are being persecuted because of your beliefs, who you are, what you look like, or even how you dress. However, remember you are a child of God and highly favored. God will wipe away the tears from your persecution. There will be rejoicing and shouts of joy as we worship God when we are redeemed. We will laugh again as the faithful servant that we are. The memory of the difficult times we have experienced will cease to be remembered. We will let our light shine as we hold our heads high knowing God is in control.

God’s Love

God is the only one that can make you feel loved and cherished. God has given you His son as payment for your sins. This is the greatest gift of God to His people. Remember that Jesus was also persecuted and as His follower, you could experience the same persecution. You will be blessed if you are persecuted in the name of Jesus.

Followers of Jesus

There is no greater joy than to be considered a follower of Jesus. You will never be separated from the love of Christ based on this persecution. God will see you through it all. Joy will come in the morning. Jesus has already paid the price by laying down His life so we may live a joyful life in eternity with God. Therefore, do not focus on earthly things but keep your eyes on Jesus.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Psalm 126:5 ESV

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. Job 8:21 ESV

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Romans 8:35 ESV

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 ESV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 ESV

Joy and Jesus

Jesus is the joy of your salvation that overflows. God sent His one and only son to save all the people in the world. Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. The God of Israel looked down at the world that He loved. A world that God loved first and is the reason that we love. Therefore, out of the love of God, we have been saved.

Blood Of Jesus

Jesus paid the full price for our salvation. It is by His blood we are saved, renewed, and able to live in eternity with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, Angels, other creatures, and the saints. We will live in a new earth and heaven where every tear will be wiped away, with no death, no mourning, no crying, and no pain.

This sounds so wonderful that I want to do some joyful shouting. My heart yearns for a time when there will be no more pain and nothing but the joy of the Lord. Jesus did an unimaginable thing for God’s people. In other words, we only have to believe that He is the Son of God, was crucified, died, and on the third day He rose again.

Jesus In Heaven

Jesus is seated with God waiting for the day when He will again come. This time He is coming to end sin and this earth and heaven. We will be presented with a new Earth and Heaven and our new heavenly bodies. Our days will be filled with worshipping God. Hence, it will be a joyful time for all of God’s people.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Isaiah 12:3 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 ESV

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV

Recap of How To Find Joy With Bible Verses In The Word

Our joy comes from Christ Jesus seated at the right hand of the throne of God. The children of Israel and the Gentiles adopted by God know this. God’s Word proclaims this joy in scripture written in the Old and New Testaments. The kingdom of heaven is where we will find real joy. We can find some happiness in how we live our lives on Earth.

However, the Holy Spirit will guide us through trials of various kinds. He will help us resist sin, and strengthen us through persecution. The Holy Spirit will help us be content in all circumstances and be generous when helping others. Therefore, this is where our hope comes from and is the joy we fill in our hearts. It is the assurance that we will not perish.

Never accept temporary happiness for long-lasting joy from having faith in God. Short-term pleasurable feelings do not lead to lasting joy. You will always chase the next thing to obtain this never-ending desire to fill a void. The great sacrifices made by Jesus to save us are the only things that will bring us the joy we desire. Subsequently, our sacrifice is not to live for this world but to seek delight in the Lord. The fullness of joy will come from living a Christian life following the teachings of Jesus. Love God and love your neighbor.

The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28 ESV

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 ESV

And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27 ESV