Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2, ESV)

There are some people I just don’t want to sit near in church because laughter seems to bubble out of them at odd moments. Then I feel like laughing too. Laughter is so contagious! Just look at how a baby’s laugh of pure delight can make an entire roomful of people join in.

Laughter is healthy too. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces stress. It can also trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Laughter improves our mood and gives us a general sense of wellbeing.

Many of us have one or two special friends we laugh with whenever we are together. Crazy situations—those happen a lot—will bring on tear-streaming, side-splitting, belly-hurting, snorting laughter. Everyone needs friends they can laugh with as well as cry with. It makes life better.

Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (NKJV). I’m positive God enjoys seeing us holding our sides as laughter rolls out. There must have been laughter in Eden as God walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day. Then sin entered the garden, and their joyful fellowship changed.

Scripture does not mention whether Jesus laughed, but I picture Him smiling and laughing as He interacted with those around Him. Yes, He was a man of sorrows (Isaiah 53:3) and bore our sins (I Peter 2:24), but He also carried children in His arms, attended weddings and other social occasions, and spent time with friends like Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus was warm and caring, regardless of one’s social standing. Why would there not be happiness and laughter when He was around?

Jesus experienced the same emotions that we do. He felt sorrow, disappointments, rejection, and loneliness; but He also enjoyed happy times. His parables frequently told of times of rejoicing—celebrating the return of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the wayward son. A man leaped for joy when healed. Was there laughter and happy chatter while the multitude ate the loaves and fish? Probably.

We are made in God’s image, and He created us with laughter inside. I’m so thankful I serve a God who fills my life with joy. Over and over in His Word, we are told to rejoice, to be joyful. Serving Him is not a drudgery or a burden. Our God loves us and loves seeing us filled with joy.

Yes, the Lord has done great things for us. It makes me want to respond with joyful gratitude and praise for His abundant goodness to me. I think He laughs with delight as He sees us rejoicing and praising Him for His blessings. He loves us!

PRAYER: As you pray today, spend time thanking God for the great things He has done and continues to do in your life. Carry His joy with you throughout the day. 

 

(On a side note, there are times when laughter is unbecoming and displeasing to God. We must never laugh at inappropriate language or off-color, offensive jokes. Nor should we laugh unkindly at someone’s appearance, intellect, disability, misfortune, or embarrassing situation. Ephesians 5:4 (ESV) admonishes us, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”)

Leave a Comment: Share with us how serving God brings you joy. Has He answered a prayer for you recently? Let us rejoice with you.

 

Author

Mary enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and spending time with old friends. Although directionally challenged, she would rather take the back roads with their discoveries than the boredom of the interstate.

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