Today, I am sharing my post on Laughter and Joy from Faith on Every Corner digital magazine.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Proverbs 31:25
Have you ever known someone who wins everything? Is there someone that seems to be the luckiest person in the world? A few years back, we had a friend like that that entered every drawing she could find. And she won many things, including washing machines, jet skis, and other items. It amazed me to hear the stories of the things she had won over the years. She laughed with glee each time she won.
Laughter and Joy
My mom was also fortunate when it came to winning prizes. Even as a young child, I remember my mom winning things. When we lived in Canada, she entered some drawing and forgot about it till weeks later when a huge box arrived at the door. In it was a 3-foot purple cow stuffed animal. I got the pleasure of the cow sitting on my bed for many years while growing up. Mom would always say her winning came from the Irish luck, and we would laugh.
I enter an occasional drawing but not as many as our friend or my mom. Therefore I do not win as often as either of them. However, a while ago, I won a lovely necklace. The necklace was made of white and gold beads and had a gold medallion that hung on it with the inscription “She Laughs – Proverbs 31:25.” I wore it proudly. But what does the verse mean?
Joy in the Hard Times
Sometimes life can be difficult. People lose jobs, kids get sick, cars break down, and family members die. So how could we laugh at such hard times? Or is there a deeper meaning to this verse? The more I thought about and studied this verse, the more I understood. This verse is not about having a good, hearty laugh when we are struggling with life’s issues. Although sometimes a good belly laugh will do the soul good.
This verse is more about finding our joy in remembering God’s promises. It reminds us that no matter what the future holds, we know that God has us in the palm of His hand and will take care of us. No matter what, if we are in Christ, we will spend eternity with God. When struggles hit, we can think about our future life with Christ. And looking back, we can see His hand and realize we had nothing to fear. We will laugh at how minor these troubles were when we reach our eternal home with Christ forever.
A Visible Difference
After our son died, I wanted to do something to help others. I hoped that helping others would help me find my joy again. So I decided I would do some volunteer work at the local hospital. After some initial training, they assigned me to the ICU waiting room. My duties included:
- Calling the nurse’s station to see if families could come in.
- Getting water or coffee for the families.
- Just answering questions or talking with those that waited.
Soon, I started to see a difference between Christian families and those who were not. The Christian families still struggled with the illnesses of their loved ones, but they had a more profound sense of peace within them. They knew God had control of the situation, and no matter the outcome, God still loved them. And they could still trust Him. Although they did not laugh outwardly, I knew that deep within their souls, they still had joy. Their joy told them that even if their loved ones died, they would all be together again someday. Their joy surpasses all understanding.
Finding Joy and Laughter Again
What are you struggling with today? God loves you, and He walks with you through all your troubles. You may not feel like laughing now, but God will restore your actual laughter in the future. I learned to laugh again after our son’s death. So hold on to the hope of the future with Christ. Laugh at the thought that this is all temporary and our treasures are stored in heaven awaiting our arrival.
I look forward to that day with such Joy. Why? Because I will see my son again, my parents, and many others who have gone on before me. And we will all laugh with the joy of being together and seeing our Savior.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelations 21:4
Prayer
My heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Please bring Your light into my soul and bless me with laughter. Everything around me proves I am empty of happy emotions, and I want that to change. My negative thoughts and gloomy moods have gotten the best of me, and I am longing for Your joy once again in my life. I ask that You flood my heart with joyous peace, so I can remember what it feels like to smile. May my mind fill up with the joy of Heaven and let laughter continuously spring from my mouth. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Amen. It is in the KNOWING that God still loves me and is with me through it all that I can find joy in all circumstances. Sometimes I have to look deep within me to find it, much like Job, but having the reassurance that my joy comes from the Lord and not anything in this world helps me to live an “out of this world” existence. Great post ma’am.
Thank you for all your wonderful encouragement JD. I really appreciate you thoughts and wisdom. Blessings my friend
I am thankful for the love and joy God provides. Thinking of Him brings me joy.
Amen Melissa. Blessings on your day
Yvonne, thank you for sharing how you trust in God despite present day sadness and longing. God is faithful and we can, indeed, trust Him.
He is so faithful. Thanks Annie
You are right — there is a palpable joy that emanates from Christians. It sounds mean Christians aren’t sad or heartbroken at the moment, or that they don’t ever experience hardship, but knowing the end of this life isn’t THE END makes all the difference. God bless you!
Thanks Jessica. Such beautiful thoughts. Blessings
“No matter what, if we are in Christ, we will spend eternity with God. When struggles hit, we can think about our future life with Christ.” This brings us peace and tranquility when times are hard. Well said, Yvonne. A great reassuring post!
Thanks Melinda and God bless.
This is such a good reminder. We live in a broken world, but the brokenness around us cannot take our joy because our joy has nothing to do with a temporal happy situation. Instead, it has everything to do with eternal values, hopes, and dreams.
And it is so hard for the world to understand this part of our faith. Thanks Ava and blessings to you
Yvonne, you amaze me at your inspiration and giving heart after your son died. I’ve never entered many drawings, I think it’s funny when people say, “I never win anything.” Your necklace sounds lovely and I’m thankful to we find “our joy in remembering God’s promises.”
Thanks Karen. Sometimes, faith is about what we do during the hardships of life. Thanks and God bless
There my be mourning for the night but joy comes in the morning. Love this post.
And I love that verse. Thanks Jen and God bless