Laughter: God’s Medicine
In Laugh Again, Pastor Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a lady who prayed for a husband every night by hanging a pair of men’s pants on her bedpost. At age 31, she married, and they went on to have twelve children! What a joy to grow up in a home filled with good-hearted laughter!
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” —Proverbs 17:22
Four Ways Laughter Is Good Medicine:
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God created laughter. After Isaac (whose name means ‘laughter’) was born to ninety-year old Sarah, she said,
“God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” —Genesis 21:6
Our God is a happy God. I Timothy 1:11 speaks of “the glorious Gospel of the happy God.”
From the animals he’s made to the festivals he ordained for Israel God reveals his joy. We see glimpses of God’s humor when the pagan god Dagon is found bowing before the Ark of the Covenant (I Samuel 5:1-5). It happens again the next day, only now his head and hands are broken.
“The kings of the earth take their stand…against the Lord…and the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” —Psalm 2:2
God uses a talking donkey to get Balaam’s attention (Numbers 22). God uses a man spit out of a whale to reach godless Ninevah (Jonah 3). God uses a man with a thousand wives to teach on adultery (Proverbs 5-7).
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Jesus modeled laughter.
“Obey my commands…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” —John 15:10
His joy attracted both sinners and kids (Luke 7:34; Matthew 19:14).
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about a lost sheep and a lost coin and a lost son. All three times when the lost object was found, there was great rejoicing! Although trials and troubles are part of our earthly journey, Jesus reminds us
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh!” —Luke 6:21
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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice…Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything pray…and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:4
From the bowels of a Roman prison, Paul wrote the book of Philippians which was focused on joy! Grieve, but don’t stay there too long.
“A crushed spirit dries up the bones.” —Proverbs 17:22
Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe studied 5000 medical patients to help them evaluate 43 stressors in our lives. Loss of spouse was rated 100; divorce is 73; marital separation is 65; imprisonment is 63; death of a close family member is also 63. Grief takes a tool on us.
After decades of grieving and setbacks, Nehemiah instructed his people,
“Go and enjoy food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” —Nehemiah 8:10
Joy and laughter heals!
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After Nehemiah’s challenge, the joy of his people spread like wildfire!
“From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this. And their joy was very great.” —Nehemiah 8:17
“Jesus promised His disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and constantly in trouble.” G.K. Chesterton.
“In the world you will have trouble but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
Chris Parkening found success as a classical guitarist, but not happiness. As Chris shares in his autobiography Grace Like A River, only after he found Christ did he find a joy that never left.
In Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell’s sister Jennie challenges him about his decision to train for the Olympics by insisting that God comes first. Eric said to her, “Jennie, I believe God made me for a purpose, for China. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.” Eric not only won gold, but went on to a distinguished career as a missionary in China (For the Glory). Does your life bear witness of the joy of the Lord?