When was the last time you had a body engaged belly laugh? If you can’t remember then it’s been way too long! The kind of humor I’m talking about isn’t the ‘mean, poke fun at, cruel’ form (though how that can be termed ‘humor’ is an oxymoron). The humor I’m indicating is the child-like glee that can so easily get lost. How does humor affect/aid us? Why? What’s it’s importance? Much. Scripture tells us:
“A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22, AMP)
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” (Psalms 126:2, AMP)
Happy heart and joyful mind – two important aids for us… especially during the difficult times. It’s not a denial of what’s happening. Humor and laughter lead to joyful shouting!
A more secular view is Google’s definition:
“Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
So even the carnal gets into the act related to the positive affects from laughter. Again, this is not the prat falls nor laughter at another’s expense expression form of humor… this is the joyful laughter.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].” (Proverbs 31:25, AMP)
“For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.” (Proverbs 15:15)
What does the opposite accomplish? Do you feel, act better/more positive when you are sober or sorrowful or unbelieving? Granted there are times to be sober, more serious… but I can’t find any scripture that are advocating sorrowful and unbelieving. Yes, those states are recognized but they aren’t the path that leads to peace, joy, or fulfillment. Jesus came that we might have life, and life more abundantly! (John 10:10)
Besides… you have to admit there are times that are funny. Funny provokes laughter in a joyous abandonment. Simply an expression of joy.
