The Best Kind of Laughter

”a time to weep and a time to laugh…,” Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NIV)

What makes you laugh? Laughter can be the manifestation of joy, mirth or scorn.

We can find many funny and humorous situations in life to make us laugh. Even sad situations can be remembered with humor and laughter. This king of laughter is good because it lightens our moments and makes life less stressful.

However there is also scornful laughter. People laughed in scorn when Jesus claimed Jairus daughter was only sleeping when they “knew” she was dead. (Luke 8:52-53). Sarah laughed within herself when she was told she would have a son in her old age (Genesis 18:12). We laugh at what we “know” is impossible; not trusting fully in the power of God. God laughs in scorn at the folly of man, following gods he has fashioned for himself like riches, and worldly knowledge which will only lead him to his own destruction "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision" (Psalm 2:4). Fools laugh in their fun seeking activities which are not pleasing to the Lord. They are dragged down to desperation; and real happiness eludes them. "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [or joy] is heaviness" (Proverbs 14:13).

Oh, but what triumph awaits those who are faithful in the Lord! Jesus said, "Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh" (Luke 6:21). The greatest times will be full of heavenly laughter for the redeemed of the Lord

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At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.
- Jean Houston

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