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The irony is that we need humor, even as we honor the recommendations of those whose expertise makes them essential to the cause. Laughter, indeed, does the heart good like a medicine. Resilient minds, bodies, spirits, and relationships all have humor in common.
The Bible mentions laughter and joy often in various contexts. Here are a few such verses:
Old Testament
“A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” Psalm 47:1
“God has a smile on His face.” Psalm 42:5
“God, who sits in Heaven, laughs!” Psalm 2:4
“He that is of a merry heart has a continual feast.” Proverbs 15:15
“I commend mirth.” Ecclesiastes 8:15
“I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13
“Let the shield exult and everything in it. Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” Psalm 96:12
“Let your heart be merry.” Judges 19:6
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises.” Psalm 98:4
“The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy; The meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” Psalm 65:12-13
“Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, the Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2
“You have turned my mourning into dancing; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.” Psalm 30:11
“You shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and hills before you shall burst into song, and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
New Testament
“Although you have not seen Jesus, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” Peter 1:8
“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh!” Luke 6:21
“But in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.” Peter 4:13
“I have said these things to you,” Jesus said to his disciples, “so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11
“The angel said to Mary: You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at the birth of your son.” Luke 1:14
“The angels said to the shepherds: Do not be afraid, for see – I am bringing good news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10
“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3
“When the wise men saw that the star had stopped over the place where the Christ child lay, they were overwhelmed with joy.” Matthew 2:10
Jotting with Johnna:
- How might you find and foster healing humor in yourself and your shared sphere? Even an unsolicited smile or a friendly wave (especially when combined) can work wonders in the current state of circumstance! You can even do that effectively from behind windows or windshields. Post a silly selfie, maybe? Other ideas?
- What jokes could you "dust off" for lifting up other folks via email, letters, social media, or a really precious phone call? Bonus for the phone call: laughter shared seems to be multiplied!
- Have you experienced or witnessed something funny recently you could share?
- Where might you find more sources and outlets of humor while we face the relatively dark news being pushed by media?
- When can you "distance" yourself from the news long enough to relax and realize the good stuff? Who else might benefit from the reminder to detach from the droning television and plug into the positive?
Remember:
You've survived one hundred percent of the difficult times and rough days you've faced. Practice wisdom, take care of those near you, and - for Heaven's sake - laugh!
Stay tuned. Stay focused. Stay well.
