In the version of the Bible (NIV) I am reading the word “joy” is mentioned 242 times. Do you think joy is important to God?  The joy that feels so good that a smile appears and we laugh with delight.  As humans, we search for joy in our life. What brings you joy?  How do you make others joyful? Joy is when your heart is full. (Psalm 9:1-2) He wants us to sing, shout and praise with great joy. (Psalms 28:7) God wants to hear why we are joyful. (Psalm 33:1-3) God knows that joy is part of our well being, the joy of the Lord makes us complete. (John 15:11) God finds joy when we think and act like Him, be one in spirit with God, and value others. (Philippians 2:1-2)

Psalm 9:1-2

[David Psalm ] I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 33:1-3

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

John 15:11
 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Philippians 2:1-3
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Luke 6:23

Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.

Psalm 103:1-5 NIV

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Jude 23-25
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen