God. Just who is God, anyway? The old-time preachers call Him, “Gaaaawwwd...” and to those that don’t know Him, He’s just a swear word. Don’t worry; this isn’t going to be a sermon...just something to get you thinking.
I want to introduce you girls to a side of God that we don’t often consider. God laughs. Yes, that’s what the Bible says, “God sits in heaven and laughs.”
We hear so many sermons on God’s displeasure with our sin, this world and God’s coming judgment, when was the last time you heard a sermon about God laughing?
What do you think He laughs about? Now, if you’re like many people you can’t even imagine a God that laughs. The only God you know is the serious, austere, stern, severe, kill-joy that’s ready to bop you when you mess up.
I don’t pretend to know everything about God, but I do know this – God is not sad or down in the dumps. How can He be when in His Presence is fullness of joy? When you get around God you can’t help but laugh! How have we missed this? The Bible tells us God sings and rejoices over His kids; the angels in heaven have parties when people turn to the Lord; and while on earth Jesus was loaded with more joy than anyone else. To top it off, we’re told to serve the Lord with gladness and to rejoice always. Apparently, God is into joy.
Sadly, I think the reason more people aren’t attracted to God is because of us Christians! We often look like we’ve been baptized in pickle juice, rather than radiating joy and laughter. Some of us are trying so hard to impress others with our brilliant intellect, stoic spirituality, status and success that we have just become incredibly boring! Some of us feel guilty about being glad in a world gone mad! Big question – do you cry more than you laugh?
There’s a time to weep – but joy comes in the morning. I just talked with a gal that lost her husband a year ago, she’s been very sad. Just a few weeks ago she laughed for the first time in over a year. Her words: “It sure felt good!”
We’re supposed to be conformed to His image, right ladies? I’m begging you girls...laugh, lighten up, smile, giggle – feel the joy. Doesn’t a proverb tell us that, “A merry heart does good is like a medicine...”? God intended for us to go through life...medicated. So, c’mon get happy!
Need some help?
1. Laugh Anyway. Just laugh when you’d rather not. Imitate God and laugh by choice. Laugh a lot. Laugh at yourself! If it’s been a while, you might be surprised at how refreshing it is to laugh.
2. Talk Right. Tell your mouth what to do. The Bible is clear on this, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.” Do you want a happy life and good days? Follow the directions.
3. Thank God. C’mon – why not try it – be thankful! If you’ll just start thanking Him for your life, breath, family, health, blessings – the joy will come.
God laughs. Will you?
Beth
