There is indeed a time to laugh in the presence of the Lord. There is a time when the fullness of Joy in our hearts in expressed. There is ” a time to laugh…, and a time to dance, ” (Ecclesiastes 3:4, NIV84)
” In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. ” (Psalm 16:11, NAS) When we are filled with Joy, we express it. I see many smiles and dancing at a wedding celebration. I see laughter at the birth of a child. When we celebrate, laughter and dancing become the expressions of our joy.
Doctors understand the healthy value of laughter. True laughter has immense physical benefits and is truly healing. Laughter removes stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine. Laughter also releases healthy hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. Laughter pumps up the immune system and destroys the effects of stress.
Why is it then, that many times when we go into a church, we feel like we cannot jump, shout, laugh or dance? Who is it that has stolen joy from the church? Could it be that religious traditions created not by God, but by man to elevate some, have robbed us of our right to joy?
God wants us to rejoice and to freely express the joy. God created us and knows how much true joy will help us. He loves us and created us to laugh with Him. Worship is acknowledging God and giving Him glory. What better thing to do than to celebrate Him with merry hearts, shouts of praise, and dances of joy?
Perhaps you feel like there is nothing to celebrate. If there is no joy, then begin seeking Your God. That is your sign that you must once again return to a relationship of Love with Jesus. As you do, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. ” (Job 8:21, NIV84) Keep seeking Him, Keep searching. Do not accept that you must live without laughter and joy – that is a lie from the enemy. Joy and laughter are an outcome of a relationship with God!
What has God done? He has saved me. He has healed me. He has set me free from the bondage of depression. He has taken away my fear. He has provided for me. He has embraced me. He has shown me love and hope for my future. That is a reason to celebrate!
“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.” ” (Psalm 126:2, NIV84)
I will dance because He has healed me.
I will shout because He has freed me from the bondage of discouragement.
I will laugh because for too long, I let the devil steal my joy.
I will dance, I will laugh and I will grow strong because of it. Truly, the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Ha Ha! He He! Ho Ho! Come on! Try laughing with me! J
