IS LAUGHTER A GIFT?

“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” – Psalm 126:2.

Christmas has come and gone. Soon after, the trappings of Christmas; the tree, lights, and piles of wrapping paper will find their way back into closets or storage units. Some people must put away Christmas when the last gift is opened. But what about the laughter that is so much a part of Christmas? There is a joy in laughter at Christmas that shouldn’t be ignored. But laughter is not limited to holidays only.

So often, we hear about the struggles and the difficulties that we face as Christians. However, God created joy, humor, and laughter.  Think of the most joyful person that you know. What makes them smile or laugh? Their smile and sense of humor can brighten your day.

Laughter is good, and every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). Laughter is a gift from God. Having the ability to show our emotions is a beautiful blessing. We can communicate with others in clear ways and soak in the moments of joy and happiness that the Lord provides.

Most of us come to the Lord broken and scarred. Our walk with God can be highly challenging, but it is also remarkably rewarding. We probably don’t think of it this way, but laughter can carry us through our daily challenges. Often laughter is presented in Scripture as good-humored and friendly to encourage others: “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Also, James exhorts, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises” (James 5:13). And Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us that there is “A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance” (ESV).

Joy-filled laughter is sincerely offered to Job by one of his comforters: “But look, God will not reject a person of integrity, nor will he lend a hand to the wicked. He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8: 20-21). In  Genesis 21:6, when an impossible miracle comes true, Sarah’s laughter is the sign of God-given joy: “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6). In the beatitudes, Jesus teaches, “God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh” (Luke 6:21).

No one wants to be around laugh-less company. You laugh out loud when you have a child, especially when the little one is unexpected. You laugh when you land a job or deal that was unexpected. You laugh when the Lord loves you beyond your wildest dreams. Because of His extraordinary provision, your joy and thanksgiving turn into laughter. It is a respectful and grateful laughter to the Lord. The Lord gives you laughter to unleash joy and enable you to relax in Him.

 Have you laughed today? If not, ask the Lord to fill you with His joy.

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you view laughter as a gift? Do you find it easy or hard to laugh at life? 
2. Do you have friends that love to laugh?
3. How can laughter help your spiritual life?