Joy and happiness are often used interchangeably. But, in reality, they’re two very different things.
There are countless bible verses about choosing joy. Verses that remind us deep joy doesn’t have to be based on how we feel.
Happiness is a fleeting emotion that comes and goes based on current circumstances. It ebbs and flows with the feeling of the moment.
But joy goes much deeper.
It’s a presence of mind and heart that’s rooted in something far beyond the present moment. Joy holds steady in the face of adversity.
It can weather hard times.
It’s that ever present comfort way down deep in your soul. It’s peace, hope, and wonder all wrapped up into one.
That all sounds pretty good, right?
But how do we go about actually living with that kind of joy? Especially in those moments when we don’t feel happy.
As usual, the Bible is a good place to start looking for answers. So, I’ve put together a collection of bible verses about choosing joy.
Spend some time with these scriptures.
And rediscover the joyful life God had planned for you all along.
Bible verses on God’s promise of joy
You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!
Isaiah 55:12 NLT
The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
Proverbs 10:28 ESV
You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
John 16:24 NLT
But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.
Psalms 70:4a NLT
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
John 15:11 NLT
Read more on living joyfully in “Discover a Joyful Life in the Face of Adversity.”
Bible verses about the joy found in Jesus
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.
Psalms 16:11 NIV
Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.
1 Chronicles 16:27 NIV
When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Jeremiah 15:16 NLT
My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.
Psalms 71:23 ESV
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NLT
Bible verses that remind us to live with joy
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 NLT
So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Psalms 32:11 NLT
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.
Psalms 5:11 NLT
Find practical tips for a joyful life in “How to Keep Your Joy When You Don’t Feel Happy.”
Bible verses about choosing joy in hard times
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalms 30:5 NLT
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.
Psalms 126:5-6 NIV
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT
Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.
2 Corinthians 6:10 NLT
Hey I’m just hoping to help! The Romans passage above is Romans 12:12 (listed above as 12:2). Thank you for this list. It is a great encouragement.
Thanks Kevin-great catch! I corrected the post. I’m glad it was encouraging for you!