“You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

Laughter

Recently after a meal I was putting some leftovers away. My mind was on a number of things, and I suddenly realized that instead of putting them in the refrigerator like I intended—I was putting the container on a pantry shelf. As I became aware of it, I started laughing! I had a good laugh at myself, and then realized that I felt “lighter” because of it. The laughter lifted my spirits. It was very therapeutic.

As I thought about this, I realized (once again) what a gift laughter is to us! God intended it to be a blessing and help to us as we go about life. During the years that my daughter was very ill we would watch funny movies. We saw how healing and helpful laughter was.

The well-known Mayo Clinic says laughter relieves stress, improves our immune system, relieves pain, lifts depression and anxiety, burns calories (what a great diet!), helps us live longer, and improves our overall health.

There are many “tools” that God has given us to help us in our lives. I’m convinced that laughter is one of them. In the midst of stress, pressure, and just the busyness of life—laughter helps lift weights off our heart and mind. I’m so glad God created laughter!

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22).

“The cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).

When Sarah learned she would have a baby in her old age, she said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6).

As I searched the Bible for verses about laughter, I was amazed at how very much God had to say about it. Laughter is such a special gift. I’m grateful God provided it for us. My recent experience with the leftovers was a good reminder that when I’m having a hard day, I need to stop and laugh!

Thank You, God, for giving us a natural gift to express our joy and to help us when we are down in our spirits. Thank You for ALL the things You do to help us through our days, whether we notice them or not. It is Your pleasure to do us good. We praise You!