446. Should a Christian Be Joyful?
God gives joy and Christ was appointed to give it, since the Gospels, which treat of him, are the "good tidings" (Ecc_2:26; Isa_61:3; Luk_2:10-11) and God's Word affords joy (Neh_8:12; Jer_15:16). Joy is promised to saints, prepared for them and enjoined on them (Psa_132:16; Isa_35:10; Psa_97:11; Psa_32:11; Php_3:1). It is experienced by believers, peacemakers, the just, the wise, and discreet (Luk_24:52; Pro_12:20; Pro_21:15; Pro_15:23). The joy of the saints is in God, Christ and the Holy Ghost; for their election, salvation, deliverance from bondage, manifestations of goodness, temporal blessings, supplies of grace, divine protection and support and the hope of glory (Psa_89:16; Rom_5:11; Luk_1:47; Rom_14:17; Luk_10:20; Psa_21:1; Psa_105:43; 2Ch_7:10; Joe_2:23; Is. 12:13; Psa_5:1-12; Psa_28:7; Rom_5:2). These being grand blessings and advantages, their joy should be great, abundant, exceeding, animated, unspeakable, full, constant (Zec_9:9; 2Co_8:2; Psa_21:6; Psa_32:11; 1Pe_1:8; 2Co_6:10; 1Th_5:16) and it should be manifest in every condition of life, such as in hope, sorrow, under trials and persecutions, in calamities and afflictions (Rom_12:12; 2Co_6:10; Jam_1:2; 1Pe_1:6; Mat_5:11-12; Hab_3:17-18). Such joy is made complete by the favor of God, by faith in Christ, the abiding in him and his Word, and by answer to prayer (Act_2:28; Rom_15:13; Joh_15:10-11; Joh_17:13; Joh_16:24). When so conceived and practiced, the saints will serve God with gladness (Psa_100:2). It will strengthen them (Neh_8:10) ; they will use it in all their religious services, have h in all their undertakings, and it shall finally be their reward at the judgment day (Eze. 6:22; Deu_12:18; Mat_25:21).
Source: 555 Difficult Bible Questions Answered