Solomon was right when he said, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven … a time to weep and a time to laugh.” [Ecclesiastes 3:1-4]
Last week was a time to laugh, and that is exactly what I did with my two friends, Patty and Vaunda. We laughed and sang and talked about old times and about present times. Each of us is facing physical challenges, but still we laughed.
Laughter is good for the body, the soul and the mind. Science has proven the benefits of laughter. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, reduces pain and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. HelpGuide.com says that “Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert.”
It also says that it helps you “release anger and forgive sooner.” (There is a link to the HelpGuide.com article at the end of this devotion.)
Of course, God knew this before science caught on. We are reminded in Proverbs 17:22 that “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” [NKJV]
I think the enemy of our soul hates healthy, delightful laughter. He knows if he can keep our focus on all that is wrong in life, he can keep us under his nasty little thumb, unhealthy, stressed and hopeless.
So today, friends, get healthy – laugh! Laugh loudly, boldly, and joyfully. I think God loves hearing us laugh. I know I could feel His delight as old friends laughed together last week.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm#content
