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There is a joy as a religious emotion. In the Bible, religion is conceived as touching the deepest springs of emotion including feelings of exaltation and gladness which often find expression outwardly in jumping, shouting, singing and even tears.

God is the source of religious joy: ”You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound” (Ps. 4:7 NIV). God is the object of religious joy. We are to make a joyful noise to God (Ps. 95:1). “I will be glad in the Eternal”

Even the festivals were supposed to be celebrated with joy. “…and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God…”(Deut. 12:12). You are to rejoice, you and your household (Deut. 14:26).

One of the things that causes us to rejoice is the knowledge that God is in charge of all things and that His kingdom will come and make all things right (Ps. 93:1-2; 96:10-13; 98:4-9). He is worthy of the sacrifice of joy (Ps. 27:6).

In the New Testament Jesus’ birth was “good news of great JOY” (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus, Himself, had joy. He came eating and drinking (Matt. 11:9). He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:20-21). He attended dinners and social occasions. He went to the wedding in Cana of Galilee and turned water into wine to make the occasion joyous (John 2:1-10).

Jesus even talked about His joy (John 15:11; 17:13). He told His disciples not to look gloomy when they fasted (Matt. 6:16). He told His disciples to be glad even when they were persecuted (Matt. 5:12).

Jesus’ word produces joy in His disciples (John 17:13). He gives joy that is full and cannot be taken away (John 16:22,24). Even the characteristics of the Kingdom of God include JOY (Rom. 14:17).

Joy is a characteristic of the Christian even in tribulation. We greatly rejoice in our hope of an eternal inheritance even thought we might be in grief because of severe trials that afflict us (1Pet. 1:3-8). We have joy in all our afflictions like Paul (2Cor. 7:4). Paul was always rejoicing (2Cor. 5:10). And James tells us we are to consider it all joy when we run into various tests and trials (James 1:3).

The ministry receives joy from the truly converted and spiritually growing brethren (1Thes. 2:19). Even angels in heaven rejoice when someone is converted (Luke 19:6,9; Luke 15:7,10,24,32). Prayer is also a source of joy because it fills us with hope (Rom. 12:12; 15:13).

We are urged by Paul to have joy - REJOICE. “Finally, my Brethren, rejoice in the Lord…”(Phil. 3:1). “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phi. 4:4 NIV).