Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy…The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. - Psalm 126:2-3
Indulge me for a moment if you're willing. Close your eyes and picture Jesus sitting next to you. You're both quite comfortable in this setting and the conversation between the two of you is easy. At one point, Jesus leans over and asks, "Have you heard any good jokes lately?"
Now, if this makes you squirm a bit in your chair, you're probably like most people who don't often associate humor with God. But, continuing this vision, imagine that you share your favorite joke—or at least the one you can remember in the moment. You wait for Jesus’ reaction. A big smile stretches across the Savior's face. He throws back his head with eyes toward heaven and hands on his knees and He begins to laugh. Then, what started as a small chuckle becomes deeper and more robust and you actually see a tiny tear, slipping from the corner of his eye in pure delight!
Laughter is a gift from God and something Jesus undoubtedly enjoyed, being fully human and fully God at the same time. We don’t know what kinds of things He thought were funny or what would bring His sense of humor to the surface. But just like earthly fathers love to watch their kids laughing and having fun, your heavenly Father wants the same for you.
So go ahead and laugh today. Find something that tickles your funny bone until you laugh out loud. It’s good medicine for body and soul. And, who knows…Jesus may actually be laughing right along with you!
CLOSING PRAYER
Father in heaven, thank you for the blessing of humor and the things that bring us joy and laughter. Every good gift is from you, Lord, and we give You praise for each moment of joy we experience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.