A Good Laugh
I put my head back and laughed heartily.
Reference: Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” (Genesis 21:6 NIV)
Explore: My work has been reasonably stressful lately. I didn’t realise how anxious I had been until someone told me something funny.
I put my head back and laughed heartily. I realised how long it had been since I’d given a really good chuckle.
In our open plan office, everyone sat up and looked around. It was like they didn’t even recognise my laugh any more.
It really made me conscious that I had held back my laughter for a while and it felt so good letting it loose again.
Application: It’s sad that a bit of stress had robbed my laughter. I know we all go through seasons of grief and mourning and it’s easy to have our joy removed.
Sarah, Abraham’s wife, had certainly gone through some trying times. She receives good news and she mentions that God has brought her laughter and that others will join her in laughing.
After this period of stress I have been made really mindful of Sarah’s revelation. That God gives us joy and that our laughter can bring joy to others.
Even as I go through tricky times it’s good for me to be aware of the impact of my mood on others. Outside times of true grief, may my life bring God’s joy to others.
Prayer: Lord, You are the origin of joy. When I’m struggling to laugh may I look to You for joy. Amen.
How joyful are you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.