The gift of laughter

Let's give thanks to God for His gift of laughter; it's a wonderful blessing and a great tool of encouragement!
Laughter in its highest form is an expression of joy.

Henry Ward Beecher, 19th century American congregational minister, wrote, “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs, jolted by every pebble in the road.”

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22 NIV) Every day, we see and experience sickness, hardships, fighting and insanity in our lives and portrayed in the news. Laughter is one of the greatest cures for this. Life is extraordinary in the moments when we are laughing. Moments of deep laughter are divine in the sense that they cleanse our mood and set our mind on a positive track.

The Bible first mentions laughter in Genesis 17:17 and 18:12. Abraham and Sarah laughed at the absurdity of being told that they would have a child. We might also laugh at the thought of having a child if we were 99 and 90 like Abraham and Sarah, although laughter might not be my first reaction at the thought of parenthood right now in my life.

Despite their snickering, Sarah bore Abraham's son nine months later. They named him "Isaac"; the name means "laughter." Sarah commented, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6 NIV).

When we experience the reality of God in Christ, we can live life out of a deep sense of joy. That joy can overflow into the lives of others and bring hope and encouragement. The gift of laughter can bring God’s perspective to our lives, filling us with the ability to cope with difficulty and adversity.

The Psalmist writes: “Oh Lord you have healed me. You have brought me up from the pit. Weeping may linger for a night but joy comes with the morning. You have turned my mourning into dancing.” (Psalm 30:11 NIV)
Let's serve the Lord and His people by spreading joy, fun and laughter every day!

Let me close with some smiles shared by churches from their publication bloopers. Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused! Please read, enjoy and share them with someone from who needs a good laugh!

• Today’s Sermon: “How Much Can A Man Drink?” with hymns from a full choir.
• The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.
• For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• The pastor will preach his farewell sermon after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”
• Illiterate? Write to the church office for help.
• Life groups meet on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. for food, fun and fellowwhipping.
• Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.