They say that laughter has a healing effect on the body.  In fact, the Bible tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” –Proverbs 17:22 NIV. Laughter may even release some happy hormones.

In any case, laughter is indeed good for the soul.

When was the last time you had a real hearty laugh?  What brought it on?  The thought of that memory makes you smile, I’m sure.

I think we all need to set everything aside and laugh.  Not just a snicker.  But the kind of laugh you just remembered.  One that’s out of control.  Even embarrassing.

Why is it that Christ-followers are often the least happy people in the bunch? We have the living God inside of us.  That alone should bring us great joy.  And joyful laughter.

Speaker and comedian Ken Davis has a radio feature called “Lighten Up.”  No matter what the topic that day, he would always end the show with, “Lighten up… and live!”  You see, Ken has a joyful perspective on life, even when telling tough stories.

So how do we manage to laugh when we’re faced with the realities of life that aren’t funny at all?

Work challenges don’t make you laugh.  Family conflicts aren’t funny.  Health problems are painful.  The thought of the destiny of the unsaved isn’t laughable.

Yet, because these very things surround us, we need to find time to laugh.

In fact, you may need a good laugh right now.  You might be in a funk and laughter is the prescribed medicine.

Can I give you permission to laugh today?  Will you give yourself permission to laugh?

I guarantee that a good laugh will chase away the spirit of bitterness, sadness or anger that you might feeling right now.  Laughter and bitterness can’t co-exist.  Laughter pushes sadness away. Laughter beats anger every time.

What is it that will bring laughter into your life?

For me, it’s crazy comedy.  Most anything with Kevin James will make me laugh on the spot.  King of Queens reruns, Mall Cop, Kevin Can Wait (sadly cancelled).

Not real spiritual, is it?  That’s ok.  Yours doesn’t have to be either, as long as it doesn’t dishonor God.

Laughter is a joy trigger.  It takes your mind off the things that rob your joy and opens the door to consider those things that bring you joy.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is… think on these things.”

In Ken’s words, “Lighten up and live!”

Consider today…

• What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?  Whatever it takes, spend some time diving into one or more of those things as soon as you can today.
• Do you take yourself too seriously? Become a person who laughs… regularly.
• On the other hand, you might already be a laughing fool. How can you make someone else laugh today? Be one who releases the joy trigger in their life.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).