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Belly Laugh Moments
In the Word
“God will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21 NCV).
Of the Word
It happened at the most inappropriate times! The two sisters would catch each other’s eye, and a fit of uncontrolled giggles would ensue. The more their father gave them his warning look, the worse the laughter grew. And what was the most embarrassing part? The sisters were both in their forties!
Not only are belly laughs contagious, they are quite healthy. Studies show laughter can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and lessen chronic pain. This shouldn’t be surprising, because God is the creator of laughter. “God will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21 NCV). Laughter in Job? Yes! Our Lord wants us to know that, even in difficult times, His desire for us is total joy in Him.
When we fully grasp our deliverance from sin and sorrow, the unmerited gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, what other response is there? Uncontained shouts of gratitude, delight, and laughter! Exactly the way the God of Joy designed it.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for the gift of uncontrolled laughter as I celebrate Your grace and mercy with the fellow redeemed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 6/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations marked (NCV) are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
