The joy of the LORD is your strength. Biblical joy is not the same as happiness in good circumstances; it sings at midnight, rejoices though the fig tree does not blossom, and counts trials with a strange gladness. These passages show where that joy comes from, the presence of God Himself, and why no man can take it away.
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. his anger...: Heb. there is but a moment in his angerfor a night: Heb. in the eveningjoy: Heb. singing
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; temptations: or, trials3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. joy: or, singing6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. precious...: or, seed basket
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: fail: Heb. lie18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. rest: Heb. be silent
1 [A Psalm of praise.] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. praise: or, thanksgivingall...: Heb. all the earth2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.