In today’s culture, the “pursuit of pleasure” drives much of our decision making. It determines the kind of cars we drive, the houses we live in, the vacations we take, the people we marry, and the clothes we wear. 

And perhaps those things can provide happiness… for a moment

But true joy is much deeper than that. It’s not predicated by external circumstances but by an internal soundness. A confidence that comes from knowing God and knowing His will for your life

Here are 21 Bible verses about joy:

#1 James 1:2-3

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

#2 1 Peter 1:8-9

“And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your soul.”

#3 Romans 15:13

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”

#4 2 John 1:12

“Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”

#5 Luke 15:7

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

#6 Isaiah 35:10

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

#7 Proverbs 15:23

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

#8 John 16:22

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

#9 Philemon 1:7

“For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.”

#10 Psalm 27:6

“And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.”

#11 Psalm 30:5

“For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

#12 Hebrews 12:2

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

#13 Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

#14 John 15:11

“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

#15 Isaiah 12:6

“Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.”

#16 Psalms 47:1

“…O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”

#17 Proverbs 10:28

“The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.”

#18 1 Chronicles 16:27

Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.”

#19 Psalm 16:11

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

#20 Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

#21 Romans 12:12

“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.”