Scriptures on Joy

Joy Bible Verses

Bible Verses About Joy- Joy Bible verses help Christians who may be going through a difficult season, for God’s word includes many Scripture quotes about joy. Learn how to have joy even when it seems hard. Discover what the Lord says about joy.

Use our bible verses by topic page which lists popular verses from the Old and New Testament.

• James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

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• Psalm 47:1

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

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• Isaiah 9:3

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

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• Ecclesiastes 9:7

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.

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• Proverbs 10:28

The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.

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• 1 Peter 1:8-9

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 goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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• Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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• 2 John 1:12

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

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• Luke 15:7

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

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• Nehemiah 8:10

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

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• Esther 8:17

In every province and in every city, wherever the edict of the king went, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

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• Isaiah 12:6

Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."

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• Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

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• Psalm 27:6

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

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• Isaiah 35:10

and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

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• Proverbs 15:23

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

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• John 16:22

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

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• Psalm 30:5

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

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• Romans 14:17

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

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• Hebrews 12:2

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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Gary Miller Ministry, AFWIS joins Operation World in prayer for Zambia

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)

Home > Dec 23: Zambia

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Dec 23: Zambia

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Zambia

Republic of Zambia

Africa

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 752,614 sq km
Landlocked central/ southern African country; largely savannah grasslands with forested areas.
Population: 13,257,269    Annual Growth: 2.46%
Capital: Lusaka
Urbanites: 35.7%
HDI Rank: 164 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 82 (5% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: English. Trade languages Bemba and Nyanja spoken by large segments of the population    Languages: 72 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	11,527,195	86.95	2.6
Evangelicals	3,406,297	25.7	3.2

Challenges for Prayer

The “brain drain” of many of Africa’s brightest and best to richer nations impacts Zambia deeply. While Zambian doctors, lawyers, businessmen, professionals and pastors set up shop in South Africa, Europe and North America, their home nation cries out for precisely the skills and resources they have to offer. Pray for conviction to return to be blessings and the ideal missionaries to their country.
Growth among Protestant and Independent churches is encouraging. Growing Pentecostal churches are matched by evangelical and renewalist growth in mainline churches such as the United Church. Yet there are dangers:
a) Superficiality and lack of biblical understanding and teaching. Too few know the Word of God or how to live a Christian life. Good teachers and trained pastors are greatly needed.
b) Imported forms and structures of worship cause a disconnect between African culture and the gospel, but syncretism with indigenous beliefs and practices that are not biblical is no improvement. The flourishing of truly African but also truly biblical expressions of Christian lifestyle, theology and worship patterns is essential; praise God that this is already happening.
     For an additional 12 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Zambia.

Matthew 5

Matthew 5 New International Version (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

The Fulfillment of the Law

¹⁷ “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸ For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹ Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Murder

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,^[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister^[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’^[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

²⁵ “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Adultery

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’^{[e] 28} But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Divorce

³¹ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’^{[f] 32} But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Oaths

³³ “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ ³⁴ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. ³⁶ And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. ³⁷ All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.^[g]

Eye for Eye

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’^{[h] 39} But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. ⁴¹ If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. ⁴² Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[i] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:21 Exodus 20:13
2. Matthew 5:22 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a fellow disciple, whether man or woman; also in verse 23.
3. Matthew 5:22 Some manuscripts brother or sister without cause
4. Matthew 5:22 An Aramaic term of contempt
5. Matthew 5:27 Exodus 20:14
6. Matthew 5:31 Deut. 24:1
7. Matthew 5:37 Or from evil
8. Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deut. 19:21
9. Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18

Cross references:

1. Matthew 5:2 : 5:3-12pp — Lk 6:20-23
2. Matthew 5:3 : ver 10, 19; S Mt 25:34
3. Matthew 5:4 : Isa 61:2, 3; Rev 7:17
4. Matthew 5:5 : Ps 37:11; Ro 4:13
5. Matthew 5:6 : Isa 55:1, 2
6. Matthew 5:7 : S Jas 2:13
7. Matthew 5:8 : Ps 24:3, 4; 73:1
8. Matthew 5:8 : Ps 17:15; 42:2; Heb 12:14; Rev 22:4
9. Matthew 5:9 : Jas 3:18; S Ro 14:19
10. Matthew 5:9 : ver 44, 45; S Ro 8:14
11. Matthew 5:10 : S 1Pe 3:14
12. Matthew 5:10 : ver 3, 19; S Mt 25:34
13. Matthew 5:11 : Isa 51:7
14. Matthew 5:11 : S Jn 15:21
15. Matthew 5:12 : Ps 9:2; Ac 5:41; S 2Co 6:10; 12:10; Col 1:24; Jas 1:2; 1Pe 1:6; 4:13, 16
16. Matthew 5:12 : 2Ch 36:16; Mt 23:31, 37; Ac 7:52; 1Th 2:15; Heb 11:32-38
17. Matthew 5:13 : Mk 9:50; Lk 14:34, 35
18. Matthew 5:14 : Jn 8:12
19. Matthew 5:15 : Mk 4:21; Lk 8:16; 11:33
20. Matthew 5:16 : 1Co 10:31; Php 1:11
21. Matthew 5:16 : S Tit 2:14
22. Matthew 5:16 : S Mt 9:8
23. Matthew 5:17 : Jn 10:34, 35; Ro 3:31
24. Matthew 5:18 : Ps 119:89; Isa 40:8; 55:11; Mt 24:35; Mk 13:31; Lk 16:17; 21:33
25. Matthew 5:19 : Jas 2:10
26. Matthew 5:20 : Isa 26:2; Mt 18:3; Jn 3:5
27. Matthew 5:21 : 5:25, 26pp — Lk 12:58, 59
28. Matthew 5:21 : Ex 20:13; 21:12; Dt 5:17
29. Matthew 5:22 : Ecc 7:9; 1Co 13:5; Eph 4:26; Jas 1:19, 20
30. Matthew 5:22 : 1Jn 3:15
31. Matthew 5:22 : Mt 26:59; Jn 11:47; Ac 5:21, 27, 34, 41; 6:12
32. Matthew 5:22 : Mt 18:9; Mk 9:43, 48; Lk 16:24; Jas 3:6
33. Matthew 5:27 : Ex 20:14; Dt 5:18
34. Matthew 5:28 : Pr 6:25; 2Pe 2:14
35. Matthew 5:29 : ver 30; Mt 18:6, 8, 9; Mk 9:42-47; Lk 17:2; Ro 14:21; 1Co 8:13; S 2Co 6:3; 11:29
36. Matthew 5:30 : S ver 29
37. Matthew 5:31 : Dt 24:1-4
38. Matthew 5:32 : S Lk 16:18
39. Matthew 5:33 : Lev 19:12
40. Matthew 5:33 : Nu 30:2; Dt 23:21; Mt 23:16-22
41. Matthew 5:34 : Jas 5:12
42. Matthew 5:34 : Isa 66:1; Mt 23:22
43. Matthew 5:35 : Ps 48:2
44. Matthew 5:37 : Jas 5:12
45. Matthew 5:37 : Mt 6:13; 13:19, 38; Jn 17:15; Eph 6:16; 2Th 3:3; 1Jn 2:13, 14; 3:12; 5:18, 19
46. Matthew 5:38 : Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20; Dt 19:21
47. Matthew 5:39 : Lk 6:29; Ro 12:17, 19; 1Pe 3:9
48. Matthew 5:42 : Dt 15:8; Lk 6:30
49. Matthew 5:43 : Lev 19:18; Mt 19:19; 22:39; Mk 12:31; Lk 10:27; Ro 13:9; Gal 5:14; Jas 2:8
50. Matthew 5:43 : Dt 23:6; Ps 139:21, 22
51. Matthew 5:44 : Lk 6:27, 28; 23:34; Jn 15:20; Ac 7:60; Ro 8:35; 12:14; 1Co 4:12; 1Pe 2:23
52. Matthew 5:45 : ver 9; Lk 6:35; S Ro 8:14
53. Matthew 5:45 : Job 25:3
54. Matthew 5:46 : Lk 6:32
55. Matthew 5:48 : Lev 19:2; 1Pe 1:16

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