Biblical joy is somewhat different from the meaning of the word used in today’s society. Joy has almost become synonymous with being truly happy. However, in the Bible the words joy and happiness are not always the same thing. A Biblical joy can be defined as contentment in every situation because of the confidence a Christian can have in the Lord. Christians are even to rejoice when they are suffering for the name of Christ.
Here are a few verses on Biblical joy and rejoicing.
- “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
- “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)
- “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
- “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5)
- “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)
- “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Christians should rejoice while on earth because of a future home in heaven with the Lord as long as they remain faithful to the Lord.