Comfort For Those Who HurtSample

Laughter is Good for a Hurting Heart

Laughter is from the Lord; His medicine for the mind and therapy for the soul. The Lord laughs because He is the dispenser of laughter. You cannot give what you do not have, and He has plenty to laugh about. Just as an engaging parent intently observes his children, so God sees our hilarious antics and behaviors. The Lord must laugh when He sees one of His children smile and do something silly, harmless, and lighthearted. Indeed, He knows laughter is one way to get us through life’s intense moments. God is not so serious that He cannot smile and laugh. 

How could Jesus have been 100 percent human if He hadn’t experienced an old-fashioned belly laugh? Just hanging out with impetuous Peter would be reason enough to giggle under His breath, or even burst into raucous, roaring laughter. Indeed, God has a sense of humor, and you don’t have to look beyond the mirror to verify this fact. His joy and laughter are a refreshing combination. In a day when proud piety has frowned on laughter, God still laughs, and so can you. 

God has given you permission to laugh. In fact, He has put joy in your heart and laughter on your lips for a purpose. When you laugh, you relax. When you laugh, the cares of this world shrink, and the Lord looms larger. When you laugh, you learn to enjoy life and the Lord Himself. 

Throw back your head and begin by laughing at yourself. Take yourself less seriously and God more seriously. A good laugh lends itself to longer and better living. Lean on the Lord and make His joy your strength. 

Laughter infuses your faith with mercy and hope. You are not a naïve, laughing fool, but a joyful follower of Christ. Take time each day to laugh at yourself and to laugh with others. Recognize laughter as the Lord’s way of leveraging a balanced and healthy life. Life without laughter is dull and mundane. Therefore, choose to lift others and yourself with a good laugh. Laugh often – and do it well. 

The Lord may be laughing right now, so smile. 

What area of my life do I need to take less seriously? Where do I need to take the Lord more seriously?