The Joy of Laughter: A 3-Day Marriage Planნიმუში

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!

Just between us . . .

• Do you think Jesus often laughed?

• Do you think we would laugh more if we trusted God more?

• What steps can we take to bring a lighthearted spirit into our home?

• How can we worship God by our attitudes about life’s little hassles?

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

Excerpted from Night Light for Couples, used with permission.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. (Ps. 13:5, ESV)

Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him! Let all the upright in heart exult! (Ps. 64:10, ESV)