Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Guys, I get that we are dealing with a serious situation here and I’m not trying to make light of the hardships many are experiencing. But I have to be SERIOUSLY honest with you about the powerful health benefits of laughter!
Personally, I have been been cracking up at the humorous coronavirus fear-craze posts on social media since March 9 (when I believe there was a grace released for it). From memes to people’s personal experiences, I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. And boy does it feel great!
Jesus laughs. I repeat: Jesus laughs! (Umm, where do you think humor comes from?!😉) He is on the throne, way ahead of this disaster and not worried about a thing. That doesn’t mean He’s not doing a thing. He’s the Only One who can do anything! But God has NO equal. And this very enemy will soon be made a footstool under His feet (Hebrews 10:13).
“The Lord laughs at [the wicked], for He sees that their own day [of defeat] is coming.”Psalm 37:13 AMPC
In the meantime, Jesus is doing more than meets the natural eye. He is madly in love with you and doesn’t want you harming yourself with stress and strife.
“When I worry I say to myself, ‘This tremendous thing which is worrying me is beyond a solution. It is especially too hard for Jesus Christ to handle. Then I have a good laugh!” – Corrie ten Boom
I can assure you that in this season, one of the most miraculous things He is doing is bringing His children into HIS internal REST and PEACE that have nothing to do with outward circumstances.
When you’re reminded that there is no true peace apart from Him, and that His peace comes from you believing you’re wholly forgiven and perfected in His sight, then you can relax; you can trust Him more, get to know Him more, enjoy Him more…and yes, laugh with Him more!
“We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness. We were left shouting for joy and singing Your praise. All the nations saw it and joined in, saying, “The Lord has done great miracles for them!” Psalms 126:2 TPT
Hey, even Mayo Clinic agrees laughter is just what the doctor ordered. Below are some of its somewhat shocking and amazing health benefits. According to their website (mayoclinic.org), laughter can:
- Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Activate and relieve your stress response.A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
- Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
- Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
- Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
- Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
- Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.
Recently, Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, said, “One minute of laughter can boost your immune system for 24 hours.”
It’s important to remember that anything science has accurately discovered, always confirms the Word of God (not the other way around). Again, accurate science always goes back to the Bible which is God-breathed.
Beloved, laughter is incredible medicine!
“A joyful, cheerful heart brings healing to both body and soul.” (Proverbs 17:22 TPT).
The Lord really does have a sense of humor. And He wants you to feel at home in His presence. During this unusually trying time around the world and possibly for your family, remember, He is with you, for you and is your Multiplier and Supply.
Spend some time away from the news so you don’t get overwhelmed. But whether you find yourself on social media, watching TV or doing something else to stay entertained, don’t forget to keep it lighthearted and allow yourself to chuckle at those funny posts, shows or movies.
Today, I pray the Lord Himself would cause you to experience His laughter!
“God has made me to laugh and all who hear will laugh with me.”Genesis 21:6
Resting (And Laughing) In His Love,
Annalee Reyes