36 Uplifting Bible Verses About Finding Happiness
Finding strength and contentment isn't always easy, but these passages can help.
Being truly happy is easier said than done. There's a lot going on in the world and in our personal lives that makes it easy to feel down and lost. When you're hit with those emotions, there are things you can do to try to lift yourself up: you can practice self-care, spend time with friends and family, and look to these powerful Bible verses about finding happiness.
After all, connecting with God during times of distress can make such a difference, whether you use these comforting passages as daily prayers or just as little bits of inspiration when you need it the most. You'll see many of the below verses focus on finding joy and contentment with the things and people you already have in your life. But you'll also be reminded that Jesus taught his disciples that happiness can often be found in serving God and others, so some of the motivating lines may have you looking into in charities to donate to or wanting to spend time volunteering.
However you use them, just know that these Bible quotes will help you find strength even through the hardest of times.
1 Timothy 6:6
"Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have."
The Good News: You're able to concentrate more on your connection with the Lord when you're content with what God has given you. And trust that God has given you all that you need.
Proverbs 15:13
“A joyful heart brightens one's face, but a troubled heart breaks the spirit."
The Good News: When you're feeling happy on the inside, all around you will know it, and share in your delight.
Romans 15:13
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The Good News: Trusting that God has a handle on our lives is our only source of hope. You should find comfort in the idea that He knows what He’s doing.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
“To the person who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
The Good News: A person that trusts in God and believes in Him will always be in God’s good grace, unlike the person who doesn’t and goes against His teachings.
Ecclesiastes 9:7
“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.”
The Good News: If you have put your full trust in God, you will be granted happiness and don’t need to worry about misfortune.
Proverbs 10:28
“The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish.”
The Good News: Someone who is in God’s good graces will always find happiness, but people with bad intentions will wish to be in His good graces but will never receive it.
Psalm 30:5
“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”
The Good News: We are taught to be scared of God’s anger, but He never stays angry for too long. But His happiness with you will be life-long.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
The Good News: God has limitless love for all of His servants. If you truly believe this, God will grant all of your wishes.
Psalm 144:15
“Happy are the people whose God is the LORD.”
The Good News: God is the true source of happiness, strength, hope, and wisdom. Those who are in His favor will always have these things.
Psalm 16:8-9
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.”
The Good News: God will always be present in your life and no matter what happens, you should always remember that He is there for you. That thought alone should bring you happiness.
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
The Good News: The only source of true happiness is the Lord. All of the things you receive in your life that give you happiness are because you believe in God.
Psalms 126:5
“Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
The Good News: The people who make a few sacrifices will receive life-long happiness and good health.
Nehemiah 8:10
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The Good News: Acting to God’s standards and sacrificing to make Him happy should be what carries you through the day.
John 15:11
“These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
The Good News: God’s happiness is your happiness — it’s a mutual benefit between each other.
Philippians 4:11-13
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
The Good News: Always remember that God can guide you through any difficult situation, even when you’re at your lowest.
James 5:13
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”
The Good News: This quote reminds God’s followers to keep loving Him even when they are bountiful and blessed.
Psalm 19:8
“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”
The Good News: All of God’s rules and commandments were made specifically to provide happiness to His people and followers.
1 Peter 4:13
“But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
The Good News: Even if we are suffering, we should be happy that we are in God’s graces.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
The Good News: Life is full of ups and downs — moments where we wonder if He has abandoned us. But with His guidance, we can find happiness and make it to His side after death.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
The Good News: We shouldn’t run away from the problems that we face in life. We are stronger and happier because of these obstacles.
Sophia is currently an assistant editor at Womans Day.com with experience in writing everything from fashion and beauty to health, fitness, and wellness.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
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