Worship songs about joy lift us up and bring us closer to God and to one another.
I want to share with you my favorite worship songs about joy. These songs all go along with the Joy in Jesus retreat theme that I recently shared here on the blog. You can also check out 16 Scriptures about Joy to find supplemental verses to use at your retreat.
For every retreat, music sets the mood; the songs you pick for your retreat will determine the feeling of the day. When it’s time for quiet worship, slower, more traditional hymns work well.
And when you’re ready to motivate the ladies to get up and move, fast-paced worship music is the way to go.
Related Post: 101 Retreat Themes for Christian Women’s Retreats
Before our retreats, I meet with the music leader to look through song books and choose the ones that fit best with the upcoming theme.
Sometimes, when I don’t know the exact song I just explain to her how the mood of the message will be, and she knows just what to pick.
These are my 10 favorite worship songs about joy:
Rejoice in the Lord Always (again I say Rejoice) – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Trading My Sorrows by Darrell Evans (This one was a direct answer to a prayer and how I began speaking at/holding retreats. I’ll share that with you in a future post.) – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy) by Chris Tomlin – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Joy – Rend Collective – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Here in Your Presence – New Life Worship – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
From the Inside Out – Hillsong – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Sing for Joy – Don Moen – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Let There Be Praise – Sandi Patty – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
You are Joy – Warr Acres – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
Through All of It – Colton Dixon – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
(BONUS song about joy *SMILE*) I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart (Where?) – Watch it on YouTube HERE.
This one just makes me extra happy! It was one of my kids’ favorites when they were little. It’s still fun to sing!
Ways to share these worship songs about joy at your retreat:
-Have a music leader who plays an instrument and sings, leading the ladies throughout.
-Play CDs or an MP3 Playlist and let the ladies sing along
-If you have a laptop and projector, display the lyrics (Be careful about copyright. Most churches have access to worship songs legally so go through proper channels.) on a screen or the wall and sing along
-Provide printed lyrics and sing a capella
Whether you use these songs or others, please take special care when choosing your music. Worship songs about joy will fit perfectly with the Joy in Jesus themed retreat if you choose to lead that or they’ll work with just about any other theme.
I’m so thankful for the music that brings life to our retreats. Without it, I just don’t think the experience would be the same.
More retreat posts that I think you’ll like:
101 Retreat Themes for Christian Women’s Retreats
3 Most Important Roles for Your Women’s Retreat Planning Team
7 More Teams for Retreat Planning
How to Plan and Organize a Women’s Retreat
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MaryEllen C says
The kids’ song is actually the one that sent me online searching for more songs about joy.
My babies are 37yo and 21yo The kid songs seem to be the ones that come to mind without thinking too hard.
Julie Pfeifer says
I love the kid songs, too! Thank you for sharing!
Michele says
I have to say, I smiled pretty big when I read “Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my Heart”. I am still smiling although that might change when the melody gets stuck in my head for the rest of my day 😉 but there are worse songs that could be stuck there. (seriously, ever heard the six times tables song!?!)
Great post and a great list of songs.
Julie Pfeifer says
LOL Michele! I’m the same way…I LOVE the song. It just makes me happy, but then it’s in my head all day long! You’re right, though. There could be worse songs! Thank you so much for commenting!
KellyR Baker says
There are some great songs on this list! Julie, so glad you’re sharing your expertise on retreat planning with #BVNetwork ladies. 🙂
Julie Pfeifer says
Thank you, Kelly! I’m so happy to be a part of #BVNetwork! So much solid Christian encouragement. I’m so thankful!
Ann Miesner says
Julies,
You have a very nice Web site here, and doing a very good work of helping women with retreats. That is such a needed area. If that is ever in my future, I know where to come. I love your worship song collection. The WOW songs I love, and I wish we still sung SHOUT to the Lord in our church. God bless you mightily! Your #BVCNetwork neighbor.
Julie Pfeifer says
Ann, Thank you so much! Love in Him, Julie