Michael Jr. from the Exploring God video series...
Nehemiah 8:10 “Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”
Nehemiah shared this word with the Israelites after returning to Israel and rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. He knew that the people had suffered for a long time, and he was encouraging them to celebrate all of their hard work. If God loves joy and laughter, then this verse has a powerful message for all of us. His joy will not only lift our spirits, but it can also strengthen us in amazing ways. This has been one of my favorite verses in recent years, as it has encouraged me numerous times. When I am sad or struggling with various challenges, I remember this verse. Then I ask the Lord for his joy that gives me strength.
Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.”
I think that this is a great verse, because it declares that it is the Lord that fills our mouths with laughter. He rejoices over us and blesses us in every way possible. It makes me think of an important sporting event where everyone is cheering on their favorite team, and that is the kind of joy and shouting that the Lord gives us. He fills our lips with laughter, so that we can face every obstacle and challenge with hope and excitement. Read full message on the Top 7 Bible Verses About Laughter and Smiling.
A short list of other verses from the Bible that talk about laughter can be found below.
Proverbs 17:22 ESV - A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Psalm 126:2 ESV - 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.”
Job 8:21 ESV - He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 ESV - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Proverbs 15:13 ESV - A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.
Psalm 2:4 ESV - He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
Genesis 21:6 ESV - And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.”
What a serious, legalistic, and condemning person this God person is from the Bible, right? He only wants us to focus on our worry, and kneeling, and walking on egg shells every day of our miserable lives. Oh wait, that must be the old twisted religion I remember. My mistake. But honestly, if that is who we "think" God is, then we have a twisted belief from what we have heard. Yes, God our Father wants us to be obedient in listening to his plans for us. Yes, we should be humble with the blessings and gifts He has given us to help others daily. Yes, we should always be in awe of our Abba Father who breathed life into our lungs and wakes us each day. But He also wants us to enjoy this life to the fullest and just move on with taking small steps of faith each day. That is the only way we grow, overcome, produce fruit, and show His love to people who are in need.
I tell people that I get to talk with every week that I call my problems "Goliath". If you know that story just think about that for a moment. I will be victorious against every "Goliath" in my life. When I watched this video, or any video about God, I am constantly brought to a place of humble surrender before my Father. My life is not that difficult compared to other people around me, but if I never stop to listen then I will convince myself that I'm more important. Everyone I talk with, from the lawyer living in his car to the person who is sick with disease, I diligently listen and focus on what they are saying. That is what Jesus would do. While I listen my heart hurts, just as theirs does, and the Spirit that abides in me gives me the words to say when it is my turn to speak. Sometimes I don't know what I would ever say as I listen. Like Michael Jr. said about the little boy in the Spider Man mask and how he was abused. I don't know if I could handle hearing that, but every time I think that I hear the voice of Jesus in me saying what He would say. I pray it gives them peace or some form of comfort, and I plea with God that my words do not become repetitive or robotic. Just quoting a scripture isn't always an answer to some people, Jesus did not always preach, He loved.
