8 Bible Verses About Joy and an Invitation to Encounter God
A fresh blanket of snow found us in the early hours before dawn today. With lanky fingers, she reached down and touched us—wrapped us in an ethereal cloak and spoke of rest. I walked to the window and got lost in the purity of the wild world, and in the process, a spark was ignited in my soul. It felt like a fresh outpouring of joy—joy I’ve been craving for far too long. I pulled out my Bible in search of inspiring Bible verses about joy and started soaking in the words.
The excitement of Christmas has passed. Many of us look to the long winter season ahead, and we could use a fresh outpouring of joy. Let’s turn to God’s Word and soak in these truths about the joy of the Lord today.
Bible Verses About Joy
1. We bring God great joy.
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
2. God’s joy consoles our anxious souls.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:14
3. God wants to fill us with the joy of salvation.
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 an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
Bible Verses About Joy in Weakness
4. We can rejoice in our weaknesses.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
5. God loves it when we give joyfully.
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
6. God’s Word brings joy.
Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:111
7. God’s joy is our strength.
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
8. We can find joy in suffering.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
Romans 5:3-4
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After soaking in these verses, I reflected on the practices that have filled me with joy throughout the past few years. I was reminded of a mindset that never fails to lead me into the joy of the Lord. I’ve been learning to live with a “sacramental mindset.”
This way of living is breathing life into my dry seasons, helping me connect with Jesus, and expanding my capacity for gratitude. Let me explain.
How to Apply These Bible Verses About Joy With a Sacramental Mindset:
What is a sacramental mindset?
It might help to consider the way you approach the Lord’s Supper. You hold the bread between your fingertips and feel its texture against your skin. You eat it thoughtfully—thanking Jesus for His sacrifice while you chew. When it’s time to take the cup, you are mindful as well. You’re aware of the sour taste of the grapes as you swallow, and you think about Jesus as you mindfully participate in the sacrament.
Imagine what it would be like to carry this same mindset into every realm of your life. Envision slowing your pace to imbibe the warmth of the water as you take a shower. Imagine thoughtfully thanking Jesus for washing your sins away as the water cleanses you. Think of eating your daily meals slowly and thoughtfully—not shoving food into your mouth while you watch TV or scroll through your phone.
Consider what life might be like if all of your daily tasks became opportunities to thoughtfully interact with the physical realm while also communing with Jesus. Cooking, cleaning, driving, walking, grocery shopping, and working might become avenues for encountering Jesus.
Apply These Bible Verses About Joy by Slowing Down
Most of us are so busy hurrying from one event to the next that we rarely slow down to become fully present in our moments. We go through the motions as we muddle through our daily obligations, and we’ve lost our childlike joy. A sacramental mindset restores childlike wonder amid our daily tasks and awakens us to Christ’s presence with us.
Most of us are so busy hurrying from one event to the next that we rarely slow down to become fully present within our moments. #slowliving #slowingdown #joy Click To TweetUltimately, lasting joy comes from a dynamic relationship with Jesus. Jesus wants to commune with you throughout every activity of your day. You will discover a gateway to joy as you learn to attentively participate in the tasks of your days and commune with Jesus in the process. 
Your Invitation to Connect With God:
Let’s take this idea a step further and ask God to help up choose an activity to complete with a sacramental mindset today. You might pick a meal, a household task, a hobby, a chore, or a repetitive part of your workday.
When the time comes, aim to approach this task slowly and mindfully. Pay attention to textures, smells, and sensations surrounding you as you complete this activity. Refuse to hurry. Talk to Jesus and keep your heart open to him as you go about this task.
You will unlock a pathway for deeper joy in the ordinary.
A Free Devotional to Help You Slow Down and Cultivate Joy:
Lastly, I have a gift for you today: My free online devotional Unrushed: Slow Your Pace and Embrace the Fully-Present Life. This is a powerful journey into a life that is more present and joyful. Click here, and I’ll send this free online devotional to your email inbox!
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