Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Laughter, the Song of Life

Laughter is contagious. You don’t have to see a person laughing to feel its effects. The sound of laughter is music in the ears of God. He made everything for our enjoyment, and it gave him great pleasure. Our world being as it is, there is very little to laugh about. It is easy to become depressed with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, but don’t let that rob you of your purpose to enjoy. God designed us in his wisdom, knowing that we would become separated from him, which would lead to suffering and tremendous pain. So he designed the gift of laughter to relieve us.

Do you think God laughs? Not a chuckle or giggle, but a full on belly-roll that brings tears to his eyes? I have looked through scripture and I can’t find anything like that, but I know it exists. We are created in His image, full of emotions, but somehow we imagine God as solemn, void of expression or wearing a disappointed look. That could not be further from the truth.

Health professionals know that laughter and joy release endorphins in our bloodstream, which counter the effects of stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine. If stress hormones are elevated for a long period, they inflict damage on our immune system, which in turn leads to all kinds of serious health and mental issues. Laughing for just a few minutes will increase our health and mental well-being.

Jesus is the full emotional expression of God. Jesus laughed, joked, cried and felt everything we feel, he loved being with us. When we allow anything to rob us of our laughter, it saddens the Lord’s heart. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27 NLT). He has given us his peace, total security that he is in complete control, so we can relax and enjoy.

When the deceiver whispers in our ears and reminds us of the harsh reality of our circumstance, just laugh, it will send him running. Everyday is another opportunity to find pleasure in life, joy and laughter. Everyday is a gift from God and he wants us to rejoice and be glad in it (Psalms 118:24). If you need to laugh, watch some kittens play or listen to the carefree giggle of a young child. Share a laugh today, it‘s contagious!!


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