Laughter

LOL in social media means laughing out loud. Its a way of communicating to the other person about what you’re feeling without them being there physically. Despite many people using this expression in text messaging, I’m not sure how many actually laugh.

Laughter is one of the things that we do involuntarily, with the most positive results. I believe that laughter is an expression of a deeper emotion of joy. I wanted to know what the Bible says about laughter, and I got many verses. One that stood out for me was ‘He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy’ (Job 8:21). I do believe it’s God’s intention for His children to laugh and have shouts of joy.

Healthy laughter is a wonderful gift from God. He grants us the ability to laugh out loud at ourselves, in the safety of family and friends. Over the years, many physical benefits to laughter have been reported by doctors and health professionals. These benefits include decrease in stress hormone and increase in immune system, among other things. This is proved in the Scriptures even more so. Look at these verses.

"A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (Proverbs 17:22).

‘A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken’ (Proverbs 15:13).

‘Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them’ (Psalms 126:2).

Nowadays there are many comedy shows, weekend stand up comedies and therapies that people pay for to get laughter. Most people use this as a coping mechanism. They are trying to heal the symptom without looking at the underlying root. After these laughter sessions, they normally go back to the same place they were in before. Laughter is a fruit of joy, and not the other way round.

Our humour isn’t forced. It’s a spiritual response to the pain around us. While we can’t deny our pain and frustration, we have access to the Holy Spirit, who assures us of God’s presence in our lives. We laugh out loud because of His tremendous love and grace, which is showered on us. Our joy is flowing from the inside out.
‘Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me”’ (Genesis 21:6).

"Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart" (Psalms 32:11).

Prayer: Lord, like Sarah, please bring me laughter. Fill me today with Your joy and give me a new song. Help me to see Your sense of humour in creation, and in myself. You provide joy by Holy Spirit, and Your joy is my strength. Thank You, Lord. Amen.