For many, asking the question of “what does the Bible say joy is?” can be meaningful and can also help them unearth an increased understanding of the concept. To answer this question, one must take a journey into the heart of Christianity and discover what the Bible has to say.
Joy is a part of Christian faith that is often overlooked in today’s society, especially during stressful and challenging times. The New Testament in the Bible provides an abundant description of joy in comparison to the more commonly known sorrowful passages. Bible passages related to joy discuss it from multiple perspectives, advising its followers on how to find joy in both the good times and bad.
Revelation 21:4 states that “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.” This passage speaks quite strongly to the notion of joy, emphasizing the pleasure of attaining a life without tears, sorrow, pain, and death. By showing the beauty of life without these hardships, the Bible encourages Christians to find joy in their life’s difficult hardships.
The Bible also acknowledges the importance of joy in the face of suffering. This is exemplified in James 1:2-4, which states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Here, the Bible highlights the importance of joy in the face of adversity and informs Christians that such joy is essential for growth and spiritual maturity.
The Bible also focuses on finding joy in thanksgiving, as it encourages its followers to be thankful in every circumstance. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” while Psalm 100:4 tells us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.” Thus, the Bible speaks of joy as something that we can find in the act of thanking God for all our blessings.
In general, the Bible emphasizes that joy is based on the Lord, not just external circumstances. This idea is seen in Philippians 4:4, which reads “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Here, the Bible suggests that joy is more than simply an emotion, but is based on a relationship with God. Ultimately, this quote challenges its readers to recognize that God is their source of joy and encourages them to stay in His presence.
Joy In Serving Others
The Bible also instructs Christians to find joy in the act of serving others. For example, James 1:27 reads, “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” This passage not only shows the importance of serving others, it also shows that joy comes from doing so. Additionally, Acts 20:35 suggests that joy is found “in being able to help others,” showing how joy comes from helping those in need and serving those around us. By finding joy in the act of serving others and helping the less fortunate, Christians can move closer to God’s will.
Joy From Relationships With Others
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of joy in relationships with others. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 references companionship as a source of joy and states that “two are better than one.” Proverbs 17:22 similarly notes that “a cheerful heart is a good medicine,” suggesting that joy can have a healing effect. 1 John 1:4 also speaks of joy derived from relationships, as it states “we write this so that our joy may be complete.” Through these passages, the Bible acknowledges the fundamental importance of joy in relationships, by emphasizing that joy comes when we share our lives with those around us.
Joy From Our Identities In Christ
Finally, the Bible speaks that joy comes from a deeper, spiritual identity with Christ. Colossians 3:16 indicates that “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” This passage suggests that joy comes from being in God’s presence and recognizing our identity in Him. Similarly, Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of joy as a characteristic of those who are in Christ and notes that the “fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These Bible passages show that joy is an important part of the Christian life, and that it comes from living in the presence of God.
Joy Through Pursuing Holiness
Additionally, the Bible suggests that joy comes from pursuing holiness and drawing near to God. Hebrews 12:14 states that “pursue peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” This passage speaks to the importance of holiness and suggests that joy comes from walking in obedience to God’s will. Similarly, Philippians 4:4 tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always,” emphasizing the important connection between joy and holiness. By pursuing holiness and drawing near to God, we can find joy in our faith journey.
Joy Through Living Righteously
The Bible also speaks of joy through living righteously. Psalm 40:8 reads that “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” This passage speaks to the joy of doing the right thing and choosing the path of righteousness. This is echoed in the words of Psalm 19:7-8, which states “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.” Both of these passages equate joy with doing the Lord’s will, showing how we can find joy in living according to our faith.
Joy Through Trusting In The Lord
Finally, the Bible encourages its followers to find joy in trusting in the Lord. Psalm 16:9 reads “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,” while Proverbs 10:28 states that “the hope of the righteous brings joy.” These verses emphasize the importance of trusting in the Lord and suggest that joy is found in doing so. Additionally, Psalm 25:4-5 speaks of joy through faith, noting that “make known to me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths…Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long.” Ultimately, these scriptures instruct its readers to find joy in trusting in the Lord, showing that joy comes from abiding by his will.
