strength and joy are twins Nehemiah 8:10
A common phrase in the computer field when something fails to work is "no joy." I think this is because it is commonly confused with happiness. Real joy is defined in the Bible as a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 This is not something you can generate on your own. Remember also that Christians are instructed to "Be filled with the Spirit". rendered in other words, "Be [being] filled with the Spirit". Ephesians 5:18
Isaiah 40:31 wait upon the lord...
Jesus is the cause for rejoicing with joy unspeakable and full of glory 1 Peter 1:8
Joy Robbers:
- Unforgiveness Matthew 6:15, Eph 4:32.
- Anger Ephesians 4:26-31, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Psalms 37:8, Proverbs 14:17, James 1:19.
- Pride Proverbs 29:23, Matthew 23:12, James 4:6(pride wants to give its opinion on everything, take credit for accomplishments, gets indignant at injustices. Ephesians 4:1-2),
- Being unkind toward someone Ephesians 4:32
- Harboring a grudge (not forgiving someone) Ephesians 4:32, Leviticus 19:18, James 5:9, Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 6:14-15, Proverbs 20:22, Proverbs 24:29, Matthew 5:39, Romans 12:17, 1 Peter 3:9, Lamentations 3:22-23, Proverbs 3:3, Proverbs 11:17, Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7, Luke 6:36
There are 202 references to the word joy in the Bible.
There are 267 more verses where variations of the word rejoice occur.
There are 145 more verses where variations of the word glad occur.
There are 27 more verses where variations of the word happy or happiness occur.
All of this adds up to 641 verses (although I am not sure if I should put them all in the same bag).