Learn to laugh

(Proverbs 17:22 MSG) A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.

Some lean toward the side of melancholy, some are deep thinkers and enjoy time alone but to always be gloomy tells others something is out of alignment. Instead of leading others to Christ this person pushes people away! If we believe God is in control and God is good, if we believe that all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28) then we need to learn to laugh in the face of trouble. Have you ever done all you can do and it still not be enough, then in the midst of striving the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is in control and you just begin to laugh? Others will see you and wonder what’s going on – they cannot understand it. Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27 NLT)

Today practice laughing though trouble surrounds you and do not forget that God’s joy is your strength. (Psalms 28:7 NIV) “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.”

When the law was read to the people of Israel terror was struck in their hearts and because of sin they began to weep but Nehemiah told them not to, in fact he said this, (Nehemiah 8:10 NIV) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

This is a wise lesson and a key ingredient to living a Godly life. So when people come against you do not do likewise but return to them the love that God has given you and draw your strength from God’s joy that passes understanding. If you are called by God to be set apart from the world then expect God to show you a different way to live. The right thing doesn’t always feel natural and therefore we choose to be obedient regardless of our feelings, only then will God’s blessings flow. The children of Israel did not feel like rejoicing but were told to do it anyway. It was only after being obedient that they were blessed. You want a healthy life – God says be cheerful!