Joy and laughter are gifts from God that brighten our lives and strengthen our spirits.
While life brings challenges, Scripture shows us that joy is not dependent on circumstances but rooted in God’s presence, promises, and goodness.
The Bible celebrates moments of gladness, laughter, and praise, encouraging us to embrace a joyful heart even in difficult seasons.
This collection of Bible verses about joy and laughter will help you reflect on God’s desire for His people to experience true happiness and peace.
Each verse is followed by a short explanation so you can understand its context and how it applies to your life today.
1. Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Explanation: God’s joy empowers and sustains us through every challenge.
2. Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Explanation: True joy is found in God’s presence, not in earthly things.
3. Psalm 30:5
“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
Explanation: Hard times are temporary, but joy returns through God’s mercy.
4. Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Explanation: When we find joy in God, He shapes our desires to align with His will.
5. Psalm 47:1
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.”
Explanation: Joy leads us to express praise and gratitude to God openly.
6. Psalm 92:4
“For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.”
Explanation: Reflecting on God’s works fills our hearts with gladness.
7. Psalm 94:19
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Explanation: God’s comfort replaces worry with joy.
8. Psalm 100:1-2
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.”
Explanation: Worship and joy go hand in hand when we come before God.
9. Psalm 126:2
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.”
Explanation: God’s blessings bring genuine laughter and rejoicing.
10. Proverbs 15:13
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.”
Explanation: Joy within us shows in our outward expressions.
11. Proverbs 17:22
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Explanation: Joy promotes emotional and physical well-being.
12. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Explanation: God has appointed seasons for both sorrow and joy in life.
13. Ecclesiastes 8:15
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad.”
Explanation: Enjoying life is a gift from God and should be embraced with gratitude.
14. Isaiah 9:3
“You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest.”
Explanation: God’s blessings lead His people into joyful celebration.
15. Isaiah 12:3
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Explanation: Salvation brings deep, lasting joy to believers.
16. Isaiah 35:10
“Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Explanation: God’s redeemed will experience unending joy in His presence.
17. Isaiah 55:12
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace.”
Explanation: God’s guidance leads us into lives filled with joy and peace.
18. Jeremiah 31:13
“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”
Explanation: God transforms grief into joy for His people.
19. Luke 1:14
“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth.”
Explanation: God’s blessings often bring joy not just to us but to many others.
20. Luke 2:10
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
Explanation: The birth of Jesus is the ultimate source of joy for the world.
21. Luke 6:21
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
Explanation: God promises to replace sorrow with laughter for His people.
22. John 15:11
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Explanation: Jesus wants His followers to live in full, abundant joy.
23. John 16:22
“I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
Explanation: The joy from Christ is permanent and unshakable.
24. Acts 2:28
“You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Explanation: Being in God’s presence leads to fullness of joy.
25. Acts 13:52
“And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation: The Holy Spirit fills believers with lasting joy.
26. Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Explanation: Joy is fueled by hope in God’s promises.
27. Romans 14:17
“The kingdom of God is… righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Explanation: Joy is a core aspect of living under God’s rule.
28. Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Explanation: Trust in God leads to overflowing joy and peace.
29. 2 Corinthians 7:4
“In all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”
Explanation: Joy can persist even in times of hardship.
30. Galatians 5:22
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”
Explanation: Joy is a natural result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
31. Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Explanation: Joy in the Lord is meant to be constant, not occasional.
32. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Rejoice always.”
Explanation: We are called to maintain joy regardless of circumstances.
33. Hebrews 12:2
“For the joy set before him he endured the cross.”
Explanation: Jesus’ sacrifice was motivated by the joy of our redemption.
34. James 1:2
“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.”
Explanation: Trials can produce spiritual maturity and deeper joy.
35. 1 Peter 1:8
“Though you have not seen him, you love him… you are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.”
Explanation: Faith in Christ fills believers with indescribable joy.
Final Thoughts
Joy and laughter are powerful reminders of God’s goodness in our lives. They lift our spirits, strengthen our faith, and encourage those around us.
These Bible verses about joy and laughter show us that joy isn’t just an emotion—it’s a fruit of walking closely with God and trusting His promises.