The precise linguistic distinction between
joy and rejoicing is a matter I’ll leave to others, but it is fair to say that
joy is most often understood to be an inward response of the spirit, a feeling
we may or may not have.
So it is that David can say, “Restore unto
me the joy of your salvation.” David rightly recognizes that a full and trusting reliance
on God ought to produce an inward joy, a joy which sin mutes. So too in the New
Testament we read, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”