Laughter

We recently had some of our grandchildren to our house for a meal. Whilst we were all sitting at the table, something started one of them laughing. It wasn’t long before all the family were laughing and there were tears of laughter rolling down our faces. I’m still not sure what we were laughing at! Eventually all calmed down and the children were sent off to wash their faces and regain some sort of peace. As I reflected on this I realised how good that laughter had been for them all, as times had not been easy recently.

When the Jews returned to Jerusalem from exile, the Bible tells us that they were like ‘men who dreamed.’ Their mouths were filled with laughter and their tongues with joy because of what the Lord had done for them, they were filled with joy (Psalm 126:1-3). I can imagine that after those decades of hardship and sadness at the loss of their homeland, the contrast of being restored into where they were intended to be would have been overwhelming.

Sometimes I’ve seen people experience a tremendous release of joy as they’re restored to their rightful place, having received healing from the Lord. Tears can be such a great way of expressing the freedom that healing brings after a season of sadness. I thank God for laughter.

When we’re getting weighed down with issues around us or our own particular circumstances, a dose of laughter would do us good. Jesus said ‘Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh’ (Luke 6:21). I believe God listens for laughter to replace our sadness.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the ability to laugh. Thank You, Father God, that You made our bodies to express joy. Help us to be able to look at the lighter side of life in the midst of times of difficulty and darkness, and then to rejoice when You bring us into healing and light. Amen.