Laughter and Joy

Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…”

Psalm 126:2-3

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”

One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is joy. True joy spills over into genuine, wholesome laughter. For example, the child of promise, Isaac, means in the Hebrew “he laughs”. Sarah was overcome with joy and laughter and declared others would laugh with her (see Genesis 21:3, 6).

One of the Psalms of Hebrew worship, shown above, declared they were filled with laughter and joy when they considered the great works God had done in and for them.

In Romans 14:17, Paul defines the Kingdom of God not having to do with physical activities, but consisting of spiritual qualities resulting from the Holy Spirit – righteousness, peace and joy.

I had heard of “holy laughter” that would sometimes manifest when the anointed power of the Holy Spirit was present, and I didn’t quite know what to think. But then I experienced it for real! I could not stop the joyous laughter that was spilling uncontrollably from me. I left that service more refreshed than I had been in many years. Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Spend time alone in the presence of the Father considering all the great things He has done. You will feel true joy rising up. You might even laugh out-loud!

Dive Deeper: Study Romans 14; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Philippians 4:4; John 16:24; Psalm 118:24; Proverbs 17:22; Isaiah 55:12; Isaiah 61:3; Psalm 33:21; Proverbs 10:28.