What’s So Funny?

How often would you say you laugh?

Hmmm…let’s see, I’ve really never thought about it, right? I guess a safe answer would be….Ok, I’m an average laugher. You know, I laugh a bit just like everyone else.
I wonder if we were meant to laugh more often? Does it serve a purpose? Does God call us to laugh? Has He ever laughed? Did Jesus laugh?

Wikipedia describes laughter rising from such activities as being tickled or from humorous stories or thoughts. Most commonly, it is considered an outward expression of a number of positive emotional states, such as joy or happiness.

Health advisors tell us that laughter is good for you. It has a history of soothing tension, stress, and anger. It can improve our immune system and lower our blood pressure. Laughter is capable of relieving pain and easing disappointment.

There is a passage found in the Bible that mentions God laughing. Let’s explore it a bit.

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Psalm 2:4

If you review this passage deeper, God is laughing at His enemies as they attempt to make plans against Him. He goes on to warn them with His fury and anger to not attempt such a plan. 

Though we see more than one side of Gods character here, it does appear He finds some things amusing.   Think about it….if you are the Creator of all things and a man, whom you created tries to defeat you, would you not find that amusing with a chuckle?

Some have said that He must laugh and have a sense of humor to have made us…I tend to think that way.

I realize the topic “does God laugh” might be controversial, but I see no reason why it should be. I focus on the fact that He made us in His image.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created.” Genesis 1:27

Image is defined as being exact, likeness, to create a representation of, a reproduction.

I then carry the image of God…His exact likeness.

So I believe that covers the fact that my outward appearance can smile. He made me to smile because He smiles.  

My outward expression of God’s likeness can also produce laughter because of His characteristics that live inside of me.  One of these characteristics is joy. An expression of joy can make beautiful music with the instruments of a smile and laughter.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22

An expression of joy can make beautiful music with the instruments
of a smile and laughter.

God created all things to bring Him pleasure. He created laughter with a purpose for us to use it….and that brings Him pleasure.

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for You created all things, and for Your pleasure they were created and exist.” Revelation 4:11 

While Jesus was here on earth, He was fully God and fully man. Being fully man means He expressed Himself just like the rest of us. He smiled. He cried. He hurt. He laughed.

I have found laughter in the middle of having a merry heart, rejoicing, dancing, singing, praising, and being joyful. God tells us to do all of these things. 

I love making my grand-kids laugh.  Tickling, singing silly songs, making crazy faces, and simply having fun brings squeals and cackles that are contagious. 

Oh, aren’t there some contagious things that we all could use more of? Some of life can become too analytical and seriousness can be overrated. Too much sadness, negativity, ugliness, hurtful words and actions. We need more merry heart moments…more dancing…more tickles…singing…crazy faces…praising…squeals and cackles.

God created the precious gift of laughter for us to find pleasure in and to refresh our souls.

Can you pause a moment and just think of a funny memory you have experienced.

Let your mind go and start to collect the funnies like fireflies. Wear that smile with joy while you reminiscence………memory after funny memory.

Nothing is wrong with finding the child within if that’s what it takes to go down humor lane.

We all need a large dose of laughter.

So let it out……….LAUGH!

God created the precious gift of laughter for us to find pleasure in and to refresh our souls.

Once while I was worshiping, I saw a vision of God playing with a group of children in a field. He was tickling and laughing with the children while they ran all around their Heavenly Father.  God turns, looks at me, and says ….”as My Son once said”.. “Let the children come to Me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. Matt.19:14

God then opens His arms, smiles and says to me…”Joel, come to Me as My child….come..laugh..enjoy.”

“Come. Laugh. Enjoy!”

That’s what He’s calling us all to do. 

Photos by Create228studio