This article is part 4 of a 6-week Summer Soul Refresher series from BGEA. Read more in the series:
Part 1: 5 Ways to Replenish a Burned-Out Soul
Part 2: How to Dive Into Your Walk with God
Part 3: 9 Ways to Grow in Your Faith
Studies have shown babies and children laugh hundreds of times a day. Adults, on the other hand, often barely make it to double digits. Even joyful people can feel weighed down by the pressures and heartaches of life.
But Jesus said whoever humbles himself like a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:4).
Maybe it’s time to turn your troubles over to God and become more like a child—full of joy and laughter. Here are 5 things the Bible says about laughing, along with a few ways to bring out your inner child.
1. Take Time to Laugh
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. —Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, ESV
If you’ve been on this planet for more than a few years, you know life isn’t one big laugh. It’s filled with difficult trials. Even so, the Bible declares there is “a time to laugh.” Some ways to incorporate more laughter into your life: Talk to a friend with a good sense of humor, retell a funny story from the past or play a practical joke on a good friend or family member. Need another idea? Spending time around children or pets is typically a surefire way to ramp up the laughter.
>> Do you find it hard to laugh? Sometimes fear and anxiety can steal your joy. Here are some steps you can take to conquer anxiety and get back to laughing.
2. Share Joy
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. —Proverbs 17:22, ESV
Don’t keep joy to yourself. Share the “good medicine” of a joyful heart with others. Have you brought joy or laughter to someone today? If not, think of a way you can make one person laugh. It’ll bring joy to both of your hearts.
>> Michael Jr. is a Christ follower and comedian who has shared his story through BGEA’s My Hope project. Check out this 2-minute standup segment for a laugh, and watch his 5-minute story below.
3. Lighten Your Load
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. —Luke 6:21b, ESV
Have you ever been so sad that you thought you’d never laugh again? If you are a follower of Christ, you are blessed to be part of God’s kingdom. The God of the universe can bring you comfort and inner peace even as you struggle with a heavy heart.
Being “blessed” is about experiencing hope and joy regardless of circumstances. King David once wrote about it this way: “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness” (Psalm 30:11). Feeling burdened today? Ask God to lighten your load.
>> Did Jesus ever laugh or was He solemn all the time? Billy Graham’s Answer.
4. Savor Surprises—And Don’t Be Afraid to Laugh at Yourself
And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” —Genesis 21:6-7, ESV
Abraham’s wife, Sarah, waited 90 years to become a mother. Thinking there was no way she could provide a family heir herself, she was downright dumbfounded when told she would have a son. She had to laugh out of pure joy. Think of a time when you were pleasantly surprised by God’s timing.
>> The late George Beverly Shea, “America’s Beloved Gospel Singer,” often sang at Billy Graham Crusades. He once got a big surprise when a film shoot on the Pacific Ocean took a comedic turn. Watch this short clip for a good laugh:
5. Expect Great Things
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” —Psalm 126:2, ESV
When God led His people out of captivity and brought them back to their homeland, they were so relieved and thankful that they laughed and shouted for joy. After spending 70 years as captives, one of the first things they did was build an altar and worship God.
It can be easy to dwell on things that aren’t going your way, but remember the verse above—God does do great things. Keep an eye out this week for the great things He is doing in your life, then take a moment to thank Him for it.
>> Billy Graham has spent decades preaching about our serious need for Christ, but he also has a lighthearted side. Read 10 funny stories from his 6-plus decades in ministry.
True joy begins with knowing the God who created you. Find peace with God today.
Want more of our Summer Soul Refresher series?
Part 5: 3 Keys to Sharing Your Faith
Part 6: How to Shine Your Light for Christ
