Laughter

I don’t want to be depressing, but there are days that life is hard. We have all faced them, and in these interesting times we live in, we probably have had them more. So, when the word “laughter” came to my mind, I kind of had to laugh! And then I saw this verse…

Proverbs 14:13 Even in laughter the heart can be sad,and joy may end in sorrow.

Not exactly the most pleasant verse I was looking for. The book of Ecclesiastes had some as well that were not too exciting. They were about how laughter is meaningless.

Then this verse is also there:

Psalm 37:12-13 The wicked plots against the righteous and grinds his teeth at him;but Adonai laughs at the wicked,knowing his day will come.

There are so many things going crazy in the world. The wicked are out to discourage, kill and destroy all that is positive. They might have their plots, but at some point Adonai actually laughs. He, as the Judge and King over all the earth will remove the evil.

Matthew 9:24 he said, “Everybody out! The girl isn’t dead, she’s only sleeping!” And they jeered at him.

Some versions use the word “laughed” instead of “jeered.” Jesus was laughed at.

Laughter is obviously not always the most uplifting word. The verses above are almost depressing. I think we need to understand them in order to truly get back to a GOOD laugh.

We are told that laughing is healthy. We are told that when we laugh it brings healing to our soul. I know that when I can laugh with a good belly laugh, almost to tears, I usually feel really well.

So, during these trying and difficult times, laughter can be sad and bring sorrow. We can remind ourselves that Adonai is “laughing” at what is happening and that He is in FULL control. We can know that Jesus was laughed at as well.

And then, we can learn how to bring healthy and positive laughter to our situation.

I believe that one thing we need to learn to do is laugh at ourselves. I used to hate that and thought it was not right. But, now that I have teenagers and they LOVE to laugh at me, I have learned that when I can laugh WITH them it is so much more enjoyable! They can make fun of my roots and gray hair as it grows, then we enjoy the “younger” look when I get it done again. They can laugh when I can’t keep up, but then we enjoy the water park and slides together, laughing as we bounce and get wet.

When we can truly STOP and know that God is in control, that He faced trying and difficult times, and that yes, sorrow will be there… THEN we can learn to LAUGH at ourselves. We can laugh with those around us. We can ENJOY the difficult and trying times.

I’m learning this. It isn’t easy. Life isn’t always easy. Laughing along the way will make it easier. I pray that you can find someone to laugh with this weekend. That you will find a peaceful and JOYFUL rest for your soul.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rose Horton

Photo by Sarah Noltner on Unsplash