His Glory My Joy, a blog of Author Luana Ehrlich

Whether you spend time reading the Bible on a daily basis, or you’re only familiar with it from hearing a minister preach from the Bible, you can’t miss the fact that joy is one of the predominate themes in the Bible.

Depending on which Bible translation you’re using, there are over 200 verses that talk about experiencing joy, which I would define as a deep sense of well-being that comes from knowing Christ through the presence of his Holy Spirit.

Joy isn’t happiness, which is a temporary emotion based on outward circumstances which brings pleasure or satisfaction for a short length of time and can easily disappear when a situation changes.

Instead, joy is rock solid, permanent, anchored in the unchanging nature and promises of God and expresses itself outwardly through our prayers and praises to Him.

Here are a few instances of what the Bible says about how we experience joy:

Joy is found in God’s presence

“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.

Joy is found in believing God

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13.

Joy is found in worshiping God

“Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright.”  Psalm 33:1.

Joy is found in hearing the words of God.

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

This deep, abiding joy is exclusively given to those who are believers in Christ, who have trusted His death on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice to pay for their sins, and who are anticipating spending an eternity basking in the light of His glorious beauty.

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 51:11