The Joy of Laughter: A 3-Day Marriage PlanIhe Nhụchatụ

A Lighthearted Spirit

"May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

As Christians who want to bring joy to our marriages, we might do well to remember the words of baseball great (and occasional comedian) Yogi Berra: “Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” We could say the same about life: It’s how we look at circumstances that makes all the difference.

For Christians, it’s not just how we look at things; it’s at Whom we’re looking. “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad,” wrote David (Psalm 32:11). Paul gave the same advice to the Philippians. And the author of Hebrews wrote: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. . . .” (Hebrews 12:2). Couples who keep Jesus Christ as Lord of their home seem to laugh more often and cultivate hope in their marriages more easily. Why? Because when Jesus carries the weight of your worries, your needs, and your future, lighthearted living is the natural result.

God gave us a sense of humor to help us stay “half mental” in our marriage, and surely He wants us to use and enjoy it!

Questions for Today . . .

• Do you think Jesus often laughed?
• Do you think you would laugh more if you trusted God more?
• What steps can you take to bring a lighthearted spirit into your home?
• How can you worship God by your attitudes about life’s little hassles?

Prayer . . .

Most amazing God, thank You for making humor possible in our world. Forgive me when selfishness, fear, or faithlessness rob us of laughter. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)

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