Some of us, #preachingtomyselftoo, take ourselves and the things that happen to us way too seriously.
Yes, there are serious things that happen. Very serious things.
Yes, as individuals we have value and worth and shouldn’t let anyone disrespect us or not take us seriously.
But I meet so many women that seem to have forgotten that life is meant to be fun too.
Women who are so overwhelmed with the responsibilities of life or the masks they feel the need to wear, that they forget that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves and sometimes at the craziness of our personal circumstances.
Yes, Life Is Hard.
We can’t control the discouraging thoughts that pop into our heads, but we can choose how we respond to them.
We can choose to examine the truths and ignore the lies.
We can choose to acknowledge our pain and choose to live joyful, with the hope that things will eventually be okay.
“Joyful in Hope
Patient in Affliction
Faithful in Prayer'“
-Romans 12:12
Laughter is the way that many of us cope with pain. Laughing at ourselves and making jokes are ways to acknowledge pain and even anger without letting yourself be consumed by it.
Laughter Is A Powerful Tool
I laugh in spite of my pain.
There is a release that comes with that.
When you hear the testimonies of the most hilarious comedians and talented actors, they often have experienced some extremely deep pain in their lives.
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with my dear friend Paula about an episode of her show, Behind Her Faith, that features the Emmy winning actress and comedian Niecy Nash.
“I learned the power of prayer when my mother was shot. When I saw her laying out in the backyard, shot down like a dog in the street by a man who said he loved her, and what that recovery process was going to have to look like in order for her to be able to come back from that.” - Niecy Nash
That is a serious situation.
I can’t even begin to imagine the emotional pain and scars she has from this experience.
There is nothing funny about this and yet stories like Niecy’s remind me that laughter is good medicine for our souls and can help us find relief and mentally process what we’ve gone through.
God Created Laughter
I believe that God has an amazing sense of humor. I often imagine Him laughing and even rolling His eyes at things that I do or situations that I get myself into.
Yes, I know He is disappointed in me when I’m disobedient, but I also think there is a part of Him that laughs to Himself, because He already knew what I was going to do.
If God Can Laugh, Why Can’t We?
Why do we act so serious sometimes in situations that really aren’t that serious?
Why do we keep our guard up in situations that God’s designed for us to relax and enjoy.
Why do we think that enjoying a laugh in the midst of our sorrow means we’re somehow not acknowledging or disrespecting our pain?
Why have some of us become so Christian that we think we have to be perfect all the time? We think others have to be perfect all the time. We often forget about love and grace and can’t just laugh at our mistakes.
God has to have a sense of humor to put up with us!! 😆
Let’s Lighten Up!
I think it’s important for me to clarify that I’m not talking about laughing at others.
God’s humor is not cruel.
Throughout the Bible he does not condone evil or sinful laughter. He does laugh in amusement and sometimes in frustration.
“...but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. - Psalm 37:13
“The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming. - Psalm 37:12-13
There is humor throughout the Bible. Although the word “humor” isn’t used in the Bible, the concept of laughter is mentioned. The Word reminds us that laughter is part of the human experience that is related to joy.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...” — Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ — Psalm 126:1-2
So, yes, I accept that that there are seasons of sorrow and pain in our lives…there are unimaginably horrible circumstances that we sometimes go through, BUT my God is The God who created laughter. He is The God who helps me to make light of even the most discouraging situations. He is The Comforter who helps me to laugh even when I mourn.
I am so grateful for laughter.
Having a good heartfelt, belly ache, sore cheeks, tears streaming laugh can sometimes be the best medicine.
If you haven’t had a good laugh in awhile, please make it a point to have one.
Catch up with your funniest friend, play a game with some friends, watch a funny movie, watch a stand up comedy show….just let your guard down for a minute.
Release the tension you’re holding onto. It’s time to let yourself laugh.
Do you find it hard to laugh when you’re in a season of trial? What do you think about God’s sense of humor?
Let’s chat, share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jamila is the founder of loved+blessed. On her personal mission to leave a legacy of encouragement, she blogs about her own life lessons with the hope that it will bring joy into others’ lives and help them find the courage to keep walking in faith knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Read her testimony of how God turned her misery into ministry.
