The Power of Laughter
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break into joyous song and sing praises.”
Psalm 98:4
When our hearts are filled with love, joy, and peace from the Holy Spirit, we are primed for happiness and laughter. It’s amazing how the power of laughter affects our mental and physical health. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22).
If our minds are filled with love and hope we can experience joy and thankfulness which leads to a merry heart and more times of laughter. However, Satan has no desire for us to be joyous in the Lord through happiness and laughter. The only joy Satan wants us to experience is comfort from believing his lies and thinking we are saved, while he knows we are destined for eternal death.
A joyous heart and laughter is a great way to overcome Satan’s attacks. Laughter has the power to change the way we think and feel. “Laughter has so much power to heal and renew. The ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.”1 Laughter performs the following: it relaxes the body by relieving tension and stress, boosts the immune system, and releases endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good chemical. It protects the heart by increasing blood flow, and diffuses anger.
Laughter is a great benefit to us, both mentally and physically. However, laughter can be difficult if we are feeling depressed, angry, fearful, or lonely. We can overcome these feelings by praising and thanking the Lord and asking him for joy. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! (Psalm 98:4). Afterward, watch a funny movie that you know will make you laugh.
Live in the joy of the Lord and praise and thank him many times during the day. This will bring contentment and satisfaction to us opening the door for a joyous, thankful heart, filled with love and hope. Praising the Lord is the trigger for experiencing joy which opens our hearts for moments of happiness and laughter. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Today, reflect your joy in the Lord with contentment and appropriate laughter. Show a joyous heart because of your faith in the Lord, knowing he is sovereign and heaven is your home. Don’t let Satan tempt you with fear or anger, because he doesn’t want you to be joyous in the Lord. Fight Satan with your joy and contentment in the Lord.
Let’s Pray: Lord, fill me with your joy and let your joy be reflected to the world today. Fill my heart with joy and contentment and with my mind of thankful celebration because of eternal life through Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen