Joy is not just an emotion. In the life of a believer, it is a deep, spiritual strength that God plants within us. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of God’s presence in our lives. Unlike happiness, which depends on circumstances, joy remains even in trials, heartaches, and battles. The enemy knows this. That’s why he often uses people, situations, and disappointments to rob us of our joy. But Scripture tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. It cannot be taken unless we give it away.
Throughout the Bible, God’s people faced trials, persecution, betrayal, and loss. Yet many of them clung to joy as a weapon and testimony. Paul wrote some of the most joyful words while imprisoned. David sang songs of praise in the wilderness. Jesus, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross. These examples remind us that joy isn’t the absence of trouble; it’s the presence of God in the midst of it. If we’re not careful, we allow the actions or words of others to drain what God has freely given. But the Bible is clear: our joy is guarded by God, and we are called to protect it as well.
Let these 35 verses remind you that no one has the authority to steal your joy when it’s rooted in Christ.
Bible Verses About Not Letting Anyone Steal Your Joy
1. Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
2. John 16:22
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
3. Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
4. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering… against such there is no law.
5. Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope…
6. Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God…
7. Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
8. James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.
9. Psalm 5:11
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy…
10. Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
11. Psalm 30:5
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
12. 1 Peter 1:8
…yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
13. Isaiah 12:3
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
14. Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
15. Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
16. Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield… and with my song will I praise him.
17. Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty… he will joy over thee with singing.
18. Psalm 126:2-3
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing… the Lord hath done great things for us.
19. Isaiah 55:12
For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…
20. Luke 10:20
Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
21. John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
22. Psalm 4:7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
23. 2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing… as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
24. Ecclesiastes 3:12
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
25. Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
26. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Rejoice evermore.
27. Psalm 94:19
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
28. Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
29. Isaiah 35:10
And the ransomed of the Lord shall return… and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads.
30. Matthew 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven…
31. 2 Chronicles 20:27
Then they returned… with joy: for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies.
32. Psalm 51:12
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
33. Psalm 100:1-2
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness…
34. Joel 2:23
Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God…
35. Jude 1:24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Not Letting Anyone Steal Your Joy
Joy is a gift from God, anchored not in what we feel, but in who He is. The Bible constantly reminds us to rejoice, even when life doesn’t seem to make sense. Why? Because our joy flows from salvation, the promises of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It cannot be manufactured or destroyed by others unless we allow it. People may disappoint, hurt, or frustrate us. Circumstances may change. But our inner joy is secured in Christ, and He never changes. Choosing to hold on to joy is an act of faith, a declaration that our peace and gladness are not dependent on others. If the enemy can’t destroy you, he’ll try to discourage you. Don’t give him that ground. Guard your joy like treasure, because it is.
Say This Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of joy that comes from Your presence. Help me not to base my joy on what happens around me, but on the truth of who You are. Teach me to guard my heart when others try to bring me down. When I feel weary or frustrated, remind me that my joy is my strength. I refuse to let people or problems rob me of what You have planted in me. Fill me afresh with gladness, laughter, and peace. I choose to rejoice today and every day, because You are good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.