Holy Spirit, joy of

The Holy Spirit brings joy to believers, giving them an inner contentment and happiness which is not dependent upon external circumstances.

The Holy Spirit enables the Messiah to bring joy

Isaiah 61:1–3 See also Isaiah 9:2–3

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, to console the mourners in Zion — to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

The Holy Spirit gives joy

To those anticipating Jesus Christ's birth

Luke 1:41–45 See also Luke 1:67–68

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For as soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.”

To Jesus Christ

Luke 10:21 See also Hebrews 1:9

At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.

To disciples even in the face of opposition

Acts 13:52 See also Acts 16:25; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 4:13–14

And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit's fruit includes joy

Galatians 5:22 See also Romans 14:17, Romans 15:13

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Evidence of the Holy Spirit's work prompts believers to rejoice

Acts 11:15–18 See also Acts 11:23–24

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning. Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to hinder the work of God?” When they heard this, they had no further objections, and they glorified God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”