“Laughter that originates and erupts deep within your being is an overflow of being quieted by God’s generous love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today –May 31, 2023
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17, ESV
When you allow the Lord to quiet your spirit with His love, you will sense Him rejoicing over you with gladness and blessing you with loud singing. Wow! What a promise from the sweet Holy Spirit to invite you to enter into the joy of the Lord, singing with Him, and no doubt with a grateful smile on your face. You may even laugh out loud at the goodness of God and His ravishing love for you! Laughter that originates and erupts deep within your being is an overflow of being quieted by God’s generous love. Similar to the soothing song of a mother rocking her little one, cuddled and caressed in warm comfort and love…serenading her son or daughter with whispering melodies that soothe their souls, calm their hearts, and bring a peaceful smile to their little lips. Laughter grows by being loved well and continues with joyful affirmations from Jesus.
Sometimes, I catch myself taking myself way too seriously. I can tell when I have entered into this no-laughter zone when I feel like everything depends on me. My wife’s being happy is all on me. My children’s healthy growing marriages are my responsibility. My success at work all depends on me. And most ominous is the feeling that I must earn the Lord’s acceptance and approval, so I must stay focused, head down, making sure not to misstep out of God’s good graces. Yikes! I feel exhausted just typing these last few sentences. Indeed, there is no room for joy and laughter when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Gratefully, walking in love and being fueled by the grace of God lifts my burden of having to control. As I recognize the Lord in my midst and celebrate His salvation and remember that He rejoices over me, His beloved, with gladness and singing…His love quiets me. Ah, my relaxed soul can smile. God’s love and grace give me permission to laugh out loud at myself and to sing along with joy.
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry” (Luke 15:22-24).
Celebration is the new normal for a son or daughter who has come home to the Father’s house. Maybe laughter is lacking in your heart because you have drifted away from the loving arms of your heavenly Father. Your experience of engaging with interests outside of the faith has proved to be illusions of intimacy and unfulfilling experiences. Let perfect love cut you loose from the snares of sin and free you to laugh again with a conscience free and a lighter life resting in the arms of love. Brokenness immersed under the blessing of your belovedness becomes beautiful. Give yourself permission to laugh out loud in gratitude for the Lord’s love that embraces you!
Also, be quick to laugh with and celebrate with those who take a step toward trusting God. Progress may be slow, even at a snail’s pace, but love is patient, so encourage another by making a big deal over a little progress. Love what those you love, love, and you will gain their trust, and your affirming influence will draw them to Jesus. Your generous investment of time, influence, and affluence will grow over time, so stay faithful and motivated out of love. Rejoice in the generous community of the Father’s love and wisdom, the Son’s salvation and abundant life, and the Spirit’s comfort and guidance. Laughter resides where love abides, so belly laugh today!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, open my heart to laugh at myself, to laugh with you at my life, and to laugh with others in celebration of their joy through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What area of my life do I take too seriously that I need to lighten up and give it up to the Lord?
Related Reading
Exodus 18:9; Deuteronomy 12:12; 1 Samuel 2:1; Romans 12:15; Philippians 4:4-9
Worship Resource
Trulah: The Blessing (Acoustic Cover)
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