Living In Joy: Bible Verses About Happiness

For millennia people have looked to the Bible for support, inspiration, and guidance. This holy book has influenced spiritual and political leaders while providing answers to life’s mysteries for those who profess Christianity. For example, Bible verses guided the daily lives of America’s founding fathers, who turned to the book for wisdom. Their political speeches were full of biblical stories and examples that they used to buttress their political beliefs. The beginning of the Declaration of Independence makes a thought-provoking statement: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that their Creator endows them with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The founding fathers believed that the right to find happiness needed no further explanation. But the world of 1776 was a lot different than it is today. Those who penned the Declaration of Independence would not recognize today’s world. People in our country are extremely preoccupied with the pursuit of happiness. But the word “happiness” has taken on a vastly different sense. Happiness is equated with a temporary feeling of pleasure or contentment. Today, the word speaks more to a fleeting mood or a state of being that would have been considered shallow to the writers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Verses in the Bible about happiness define being happy in a different way than contemporary social media culture. Scriptural happiness is self-contained, not circumstantial. Instead of a temporary moment of pleasure, the Bible advocates an undying feeling of serenity and peace. Verses about being happy do not condone chasing down your own desires at other’s expense or in a way that displeases the Christian God mentioned in the Bible. Nor do they equate to temporary pleasure or materialism which may represent temporal happiness. 

Verses in the Bible instead exhort people to live a life undergirded with joy. Encouraging verses in the Bible call us to always rejoice in all things. In Philippians 4, the apostle Paul urges Christians to “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice!”  The following article introduces several verses about happiness that can help change your perspective, especially on the days you are unable to find a positive reflection in the world around you. 

The difference between joy and happiness

Frequently, the Bible uses the word joy rather than happiness. Happiness verses in the Bible are scarce compared to the words “joy” and “rejoice.” In contemporary social culture, joy and happiness are frequently used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The author  puts it this way, “In contrast to the popular conception of happiness, joy is a state of being, a state of peace and content. It’s an internal choice, a characteristic of self that becomes a part of your nature—not some flimsy emotional response to some external stimuli.”

You may have noticed that the words joy and happiness are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinct difference. Happiness is often described from two different perspectives, one being felt as a state of joy and another a feeling of satisfaction or well-being. To clarify the meaning, joy usually refers to a feeling or an emotion while satisfaction is a cognitive condition. Happiness is often caused by an external stimulus that brings a sense of satisfaction, while joy develops internally being sourced by a sense of peace within yourself and acceptance of what is happening around you. 

In the contemporary world, joy is something we experience that is deeper and more meaningful. Happiness is something we feel because of our situation or circumstances. We are happy because something made us happy, but we are joyful because of something within us. Our desires often lead our happiness, but joy is celebrated within.  For example, you may say, “Ice cream makes me happy!”, but feel joy when you see your child smile at you after a long day at school. 

You may notice the Bible often uses the word joy instead of happiness. Finding the term happiness in the Bible is rare. Instead, the Bible focuses on joy. There is a sense of gentleness in some of the verses that reflect what the experience of joy can be for many people. Consider these encouraging verses in the Bible, some of which you may already love. Verses in the Bible are taken from the New International Version:

Verses in the Bible about happiness

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.

Ecclesiastes 7:14

I know that there is nothing better for people than being happy and doing good while they live.

Ecclesiastes 3:12

A happy heart makes a face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 15:13

But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy.

Psalm 68:3

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot, and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5:19

Verses In The Bible About Rejoicing

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The Lord, your God, is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

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 pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

Romans 12:15

I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

Psalm 119:14

Bible Verses About Joy, Cheerfulness, And Contentment

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:19

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.

Psalm 16:11

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:8-9

Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:24

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!

Proverbs 15:23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.

Psalm 119:111

The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

Proverbs 23:24

Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Psalms 37:4-5

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Romans 15:13

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.

Romans 5:1–2

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

John 15:11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:12–13

Alternative approaches to lifting your mood

There are different methods that can improve your outlook on life beyond finding inspiration in Bible verses about joy and happiness. Exercise, taking care to practice healthy food choices and self-care, and calming practicing like meditation can all help you feel better and lift your mood. For example, when you do not care for yourself properly, you may find that happiness and joy can be elusive. Take care to get enough sleep nightly, eat wholesome foods, and exercise. Exercising releases those “feel good” endorphins in the brain that help to give your mood a boost. 

You can also try meditation, a form of quiet reflection and stillness that can help calm an anxious mind. If your life is full of overwhelm and worry, practicing meditation can help to calm your nerves and give peace. Consider meditating upon verses in the Bible that help reduce your stress and brings you hope at the same time. Another form of meditation is known as mindfulness which involves focusing on the present moment with an attitude of compassion, self-compassion, and acceptance. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety while increasing a person’s general well-being.   

Lastly, there are alternative methods to lifting your energy and spirit at the same time. These encompass a wide range of activities, from pet therapy to art therapy or even tai chi. You can also practice giving to others or volunteering to find joy. Kindness and helpful behavior is a measure of altruism (selfless concern for the well-being of others) that impacts the emotional state of those who give and those who receive. Find an organization or cause that you believe will make a positive impact in this world. Giving your time can benefit your community while bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy within yourself and to the people you help.  

And if I am still not happy?

If you are still struggling with unhappiness after looking for inspiration in the Bible and trying the above-mentioned strategies, do not get discouraged. Feeling unhappy does not mean you are doing something wrong. The book of Proverbs even says, “heartache crushes the spirit.” So, we need to remember that joy and happiness differ and that events in our lives can keep us from joy. 

Furthermore, many people read through scripture every day and still do not experience continual joy. This is part of the human experience. In a sense, we may not be able to feel joy if there are not those moments of sadness or frustration. We have emotions for a reason, and this includes all of them, not just happiness. Nonetheless, if you find that your feelings of unhappiness persist, even when you try different approaches to build positive feelings, it is wise to seek medical assistance. You may be experiencing in underlying mental health disorder, such as depression, or a medical condition that is causing these low mood symptoms. Speak with your healthcare provider or make an appointment with a licensed therapist who can help you discover why you are feeling the way you do.

Mental health professionals are trained to help you take steps to help you discover why you may be having a difficult time in feeling happiness and joy. In fact, there is a subset of psychology known as positive psychology that focuses on enabling individuals to discover their strengths and build strategies in flourishing as human beings.  No matter if you are managing a mental health disorder or want to talk to a professional to develop strategies in finding more happiness in your life, a licensed therapist is an excellent option for you to get the support you need.

How Regain’s online therapy can help you find joy

Reading the scriptures, praying, and following the Bible's guidance can be one strategy toward obtaining lasting happiness. But if your mind still struggles with anxiety or pain, talking with a licensed therapist can help bring you relief. You could choose to see a therapist in-person or opt for online therapy. If you are unable to make an appointment with a therapist in-person due to cost, inaccessibility, or time constraints. Know that you have an alternative with online therapy. You may even find it to be more accessible and cost-effective than in-person sessions. Furthermore, research shows virtual therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy. 

Regain has licensed medical professionals who stand ready to help you right away. Log into its online counseling portal. Regain works with your schedule. You can choose to chat discreetly via text or, if you prefer, on a video chat or over the phone. You should feel comfortable with whichever method you choose. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff of licensed professionals is here to serve you at any time.

Takeaway

Bible verses are inspiring, especially when we reflect on the joy found in non-material situations. However, if you find you are still struggling to be happy, do not hesitate to reach for support. A trained counselor can help you work through your past, hurts from others, and develop a strategy to find joy in your life again. Life can be challenging but is also meant to be enjoyed. If you are not finding this joy, reach for support.