One of my earliest memories of uncontrollable laugher was at my grandfather’s funeral. My cousin and I got tickled about something and I think because we knew we were not supposed to laugh it only made the situation worse. Those watching us duck our heads as our shoulders shook uncontrollably thought we were crying, but in full confession we were not. I know I’m terrible. But considering my paw paw, as a college student, put a horse in the president’s office at U.C.L.A. (and was later expelled), I think he was laughing with us.
I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve almost exploded with laughter at inappropriate times since that experience. The truth is I come from a long line of pranksters, jokers, and storytellers. I married a guy whose camp nickname is Jester. And my father-in-law, a retired pastor and chaplain, won the Liars Contest in his hometown for one of his made-up stories. Get any of these people together for any length of time, and you’re surrounded by comedians and tall tales.
Needless to say, I’ve learned the benefits of laughter and ultimately learned that it is good for the soul.
According to various studies and experts, laughter has many positive effects on our physical, mental, and social well-being. Here are a few of them:
- Laughter relaxes the body, relieving tension and stress.
- Laughter boosts the immune system in various ways.
- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the natural pain killers and mood enhancers of the body.
- Laughter protects the heart by improving blood circulation.
- Laughter burns calories.
- Laughter lightens anger and resentment, which in turn can promote forgiveness and reconciliation.
- Laughter improves your mood and resilience.
- Laughter strengthens relationships, defusing conflict, promoting teamwork, and attracting others to friendship.
Overall, laughter is a gift from God that can help us cope with stress, overcome challenges, and enjoy life more. The Bible is full of examples of how God values laughter and joy. Take a few minutes to read these verses in context and how God used or promised laughter and joy.
- God gave laughter to Sarah, the wife of Abraham, when she gave birth to Isaac at an old age. Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and everyone who hears will laugh with me” (Gen. 21:6).
- God promised to fill the mouth of Job, who suffered greatly, with laughter and his lips with shouts of joy (Job 8:21).
- God laughs at the wicked, who plot against the righteous, knowing that their day of judgment is coming (Ps. 2:4; 37:13; 59:8).
- God turned the mourning of the Israelites into joyful dancing, filling their mouths with laughter and their tongues with songs of joy (Ps. 30:11; 126:2).
- God blessed those who hunger and weep now, saying that they will be satisfied and laugh in the future (Luke 6:21).
Yes, laughter is a gift from God, and it is a natural and healthy response to humor. Laughter is often a healthy response to relieve stress and pain in an uncomfortable situation. It is good to laugh at ourselves and embrace our humanness without judgment or embarrassment.
Laughter is also a powerful expression of faith. By laughing in many of our situations and circumstances, we acknowledge that God is in control, and He has all power and authority. Laughter helps us express that God is good and that He has a plan for us and for the whole world. By laughing, we also share His love, grace, and joy with others. So, let us laugh more often, and let our laughter reflect our soul.
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 reminds us, “There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.” Remember that sometimes even in the serious moments of life with weeping and mourning, it is all right to mix in a chuckle.
What about you? Who are the people you laugh with? Do you have any good stories about when you and a friend simply could not stop laughing? I’d love to hear them!
ABOUT MICHELLE HICKS
Michelle Hicks is the managing editor for Journey devotional magazine with Lifeway Women. Michelle served as a freelance writer, campus minister, and corporate chaplain before coming to Lifeway. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle has a deep hunger for God’s Word and wants others to discover the abundant life they can have with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
