Find Some Things to Laugh About
Something is missing in the family of Christ. It is not that we are not doing things right, that we are not trying, that we do not care. It is not that we have ignored God's commandments or been unfaithful to Christ. It is the contagious laughter of God's people. Yes, we smile, but many people do not laugh anymore. Of course, I am not referring to the laughing that is cynical, judgmental, or sarcastic. I am talking about Christian laughing. Laughing is good for the soul [Proverbs 17:22]. When was the last time you had a good laugh?
That bible has a lot to say about laughter. Listen to this,
Proverbs 17:22 - A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Job 8:21 - Until he fills thy mouth with laughing and thy lips with rejoicing. Psalms 126:2 - Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Ecclesiastes 3:4 - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Luke 6:21 - Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Proverbs 15:15 - All the days of the afflicted [are] evil: but he is of a merry heart [hath] a continual feast. Laughing is trying to be happy in a good way to stop worrying. Laughter allows us to see situations in a new light...While it may not solve our emotional upheavals, laughter can be an essential coping mechanism in overcoming obstacles. Laughter can help cure negative feelings such as stress, anger, worry, depression, etc. Laughter can help stop worrying about a bad situation. Some people receive their salvation through Jesus Christ and get so profound and severe. I guess they feel that seriousness makes them more anointed or something. Duh, they have missed the boat.
Apostle Paul emphasized hope: "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope. . ."[Romans 15:13]. So, laugh more. You will like it. And say, have you heard the one about . . .? Lol.
Bishop John C. Parks
April 22, 2021