Laughter is Good for Us
When was the last time you had a good laugh? A deep-down rip-roaring belly-shaking chortle? Laughter—a merry heart—is said to be like medicine that is good for us.
The Bible has over 170 references to the words laugh, laughter, and joy. God Himself laughs at His enemy (see Psalm 2:4). When the Israeli people were returning from captivity, they could laugh and sing: “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 126:2 NIV)
Laughter is believed to increase job performance, can connect people emotionally, and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain. Laughter can also be the key to help unlock our grief.
Yes, laughter is good medicine. Laughter offers a host of health benefits, including stress reduction. One university study showed that while mental stress has been linked to narrowing of blood vessels, laughter increases blood flow through relaxation of blood vessels.1 “A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.” (Proverbs 17:22 YLT)
Researchers can’t say exactly how laughter benefits our heart. It could come from vigorous movement of the diaphragm muscles when we chuckle. Our laughter might trickle the release in the brain of endorphin hormones that have an effect on arteries. Whatever the reason, studies show laughter is good for the vascular system. Some doctors recommend you try to laugh 15 minutes a day (but perhaps not continuously).2
Sad folks often quote this saying, “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone.” 3 (That saying first appeared in a poetry book in 1883).
If you have experienced grief or hardship perhaps it’s hard to believe a day will come when your mouth will be filled with laughter. But the Holy Spirit can console you with joy, while replacing your mourning and spirit of heaviness.
So, what can you do to add more laughter to your life? Watch a funny movie or DVD. Go for a ride and look for comical signs on billboards or a playground. Call or visit a fun friend who makes you laugh at every crazy thing she says. Find moments in your day to remember something funny from your past. Laugh at yourself at something simply ridiculous that you did. Praise God that you still have a sense of humor!
Recently my daughter and I were in a restaurant when an elderly lady dining alone at a table next to us walked over and asked if I knew who she was. “No, I don’t,” I replied.
“My name is Mrs. Swivel Hips. I was a dance instructor in California for years.” Then she spun around our table with the funniest dance movements I’d ever seen. Swirling, spinning, twisting her hips, then circling other tables, smiling, and dancing her way finally to the cashier’s desk. What a show! Folks in our dining area laughed and clapped in enjoyment.
Now when I need to chuckle I just picture Mrs. Swivel Hips doing her hilarious dance routine. I hope you have a happy memory or a funny friend you can call–when you need to giggle.
Prayer Lord, when I reflect on the extraordinary and marvelous ways You’ve been with me, I have many reasons to rejoice. So now I praise You for my many happy times. Thank You for Your divine exchange to give me joy instead of sorrow. Thank You for showing me everyday things that could prompt me to laugh. Please bring some joyful people to my life who will help me laugh more often. Amen.
Scriptures: Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (Luke 6:21)
To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that they may be glorified. (Isaiah 61:3)
Footnotes
1. “Pick Laughter, It’s The Better Medicine,” Vita Journal (Scottsdale, Ariz., April 2010) 12.
2. Quin Sherrer, Hope For A Widow’s Heart (Franklin, TN., Authentic Publishers, 2013) 173- 174.
3. Written by Ella Wheeler in 1883, published in her book of poetry, Solitude.
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