What Are You Laughing About?

 

For thirty years, Johnny Carson was the heart and soul of late-night television. Through the stormy days of this country, and through the ordinary and difficult days of our own lives, Johnny Carson made us laugh. He had a way of stepping into our living rooms at the end of the day and reminding us that life, even when it is heavy, still contains moments of joy. His humor did not remove every burden, but it often made the burden feel a little lighter.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” A few verses later, we hear that there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). These words remind us that God understands the full range of human life. He does not deny our tears, and He does not despise our laughter. Both have a place in the journey of faith.

I believe laughter is a gift from God. It is one of the gentle ways God reminds us that sorrow does not get the final word. Laughter can break through a tense room, lift a weary spirit, and help us remember that we are not meant to carry every burden with clenched hands and heavy hearts. Sometimes, laughter is grace wearing a smile.

God thought laughter so central to life that He instructed Abraham and Sarah to name their long-promised son Isaac, a name that means “he laughs.” That name carried a holy memory. Sarah had laughed in disbelief when she heard the promise of a child in her old age, but God transformed that laughter into joy. What began as surprise became testimony. Every time Isaac’s name was spoken, it was a reminder that God can turn doubt into delight and waiting into wonder.

Laughter is not only God-given; it is good for us. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Long before modern studies spoke about the health benefits of laughter, Scripture had already pointed us toward the healing power of joy. A cheerful heart does not mean a trouble-free life. It means a heart that still trusts God enough to receive His gifts, even in small and simple ways.

There are, however, a few cautions that all of us should remember about laughter. First, we should remember, as Ecclesiastes teaches, that laughter is good when it is well-timed. Laughter that is careless or cruel can wound instead of heal. A joke at the wrong moment, or laughter at someone else’s pain, can become a curse instead of a blessing. Christian laughter should never humiliate; it should humanize. It should never tear down; it should help lift up.

Second, it is good for us to remember that we need to laugh at ourselves. All of us do funny things from time to time. We trip over our words, misplace what we were just holding, and take ourselves far too seriously. When we can laugh at ourselves, we show humility. We admit that we are human, unfinished, and dependent on God’s grace. A person who can laugh at himself or herself is often a person who is not trying so hard to appear perfect.

Third, laughter is meant to be shared. Laughter forms a bond between people, just as tears do. When we laugh together, we remember that we belong to one another. Families are strengthened by shared stories. Friendships are deepened by shared joy. Churches become warmer places when people can rejoice together, smile together, and remember together that the people of God are not only called to bear one another’s burdens, but also to share one another’s blessings.

In a world filled with anxiety, division, and grief, holy laughter can be an act of faith. It says, “God is still good.” It says, “This trouble is real, but it is not ultimate.” It says, “The joy of the Lord is still our strength.” We do not laugh because everything is easy. We laugh because God is near. We laugh because Christ is risen. We laugh because grace has found us, mercy has held us, and hope has not abandoned us.

On this day and every day, I hope that all of us will receive the gift of a chance to laugh. May God give us laughter that is kind, laughter that is timely, laughter that is humble, and laughter that is shared. May our homes, our friendships, and our churches be places where joy is welcomed and where weary hearts can breathe again.

And perhaps, when we laugh in the right spirit, we are receiving a small foretaste of the kingdom of God—a place where tears will be wiped away, sorrow will be healed, and joy will be complete. Until that day, let us give thanks for the laughter God sends along the way.  Have a joy-filled, laugh-filled day.-   Pastor Randy Wall

A PRAYER-   : Gracious God, thank You for the gift of laughter. Teach us to laugh with kindness, humility, and gratitude. Help us to comfort those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice, and receive every good gift from Your hand. Fill our hearts with the joy of Christ, and let that joy become a blessing to others. Amen.