What makes God laugh? We do, of course!

This devotion is from a writings by Liz Curtis Higgs on Nehemiah 8:10, “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy and laughter are part of God’s plan for us. Consider these verses:

Psalms 16:11 ” You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalms 32:11 “Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!”

John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

How one laughs with the Lord is as individual and private a decision as how one prays. Laughing is an expression of joy that comes from the heart of God Himself. Laughter and music are two of God’s finest gifts. They give us the ability to express our inner feelings about God with a sense of joy, anticipation, and participation. “The joy of the Lord is our strength.”

World vs. Godly humor

The best source of humor is right at the end of your nose as you are looking at a mirror. The ability to laugh at ourselves is a sign of maturity, healthy self-esteem, and having our priorities straight. Remember, God is on the throne, and we are on the ground!

Worldly humor – Glorifies sin / Puts others down / Ridicules Righteousness / Hurts the Spirit

Godly Humor – Avoids offense / Builds up others / Honors the Lord / Heals the spirit.

Laughter aids Healing

Laughter puts the emotions and the physical body in a healing mode. Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Laughter is a pain reducer; it increases our ability to cope with life. Laughter massages our internal organs and exercises our facial muscles. Laughter increases the heart rate and improves circulation.

Let us look at light and eternity and see the big picture. Let us rejoice in the Lord. Let us make sure we are not practicing the wrong kind of humor that is destructive but bring joy to others, and ourselves and all our lightnsides will shine bright.

“How many men does it take to fix the light? Only one…on a cross. And He fixed the light for all who believe.”