Laughter and Joy

Psalm 126:2-3 - We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Do you ever wonder about God’s sense of humor? I have and since we are made in His image He must laugh, and I can’t wait to hear it one day. I think there is so much joy in heaven. With all the praise and rejoicing of the Lord I can't wait.

But in this world laughter can be hard sometimes but when we laugh it can change so much about us and how we feel for that moment. There may be time that we may not want to feel joy for a bit and there is nothing wrong with sitting in your pain and trying to navigate what is going on...but we shouldn't stay in our pain to long. We should asks God to help us find our joy.

Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Laughter is good medicine.

When my dad passed it was not a joyous occasion but there was laughter. We looked through pictures and spoke of memories and it was good to have that joy amid pain. God gave us that and it was needed. But after that time and the grieving started for months of diving into the word and seeking God I still wasn't sure where my joy was...I could laugh and seem happy but I was numb. It took going on a weekend retreat and really falling in to the arms of God and asking Him for help in finding joy again, for me see and feel it. God helped me and I was giddy like a little girl and knew God had answered my prayer to find laughter and joy. Job 8:21 – He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

We are given fruits of the spirit and in that is joy…this comes from God. Even in our toughest times we can have joy and laughter.

Romans 15:13 - I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our joy comes from looking to God. Our laughter comes from joy. All comes from God.

There are some people who just exude joy and happiness and it can seem to much but at the same time I wonder how they got there and how they stay there.

I like to think that they are so aware that God is with them, and they need not worry much about the things of this world because they are looking ahead to heaven.

The scripture I opened with was, Psalm 126:2-3 which says, We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

This scripture comes after Jerusalem has been in exile. This chapter may only be 6 verses long, but they all speak of joy and renewal.

Laughter and joy bring renewal to our minds, and we need it. God knew that which is why He gave it to us.

Seek the joy of the Lord and let it overwhelm you. Laughter is needed.