There is a saying: "Laughter is God's hand on the shoulder of a troubled world." There is no doubt about it, ours is a troubled world -- from economic recession to terrorism, wars, domestic violence, substance abuse, human trafficking, breakdown of the family. Our world needs to feel the touch of God's healing hand.
We were created by God to have a wonderful ability to laugh, and the Bible refers several times to the value of laughter. One of my favorites is Proverbs 17:22: "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth up the bones." Haven't you been able to accomplish so much more and do it more easily when your heart is happy?
Interestingly, a merry heart doesn't come primarily from external events, but more often from faith, positive hope and right thinking. In Philippians 4:8, Paul said we should think on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing and commendable.
Medical science and psychological research tells us that laughter makes us healthier and happier. Many physical benefits have been documented. As another saying puts it: "Laughter is like internal jogging." It can improve circulation and heart rate, lower blood pressure, strengthen our immune systems and distract us from pain.
In addition, among other benefits, laughter improves our relationships. Who wants to be around someone who is gloomy? Recently I saw a cartoon of a grumpy-looking man reading the paper when his wife burst into the room saying, "Good news! They have found a smile donor for you."
Once while I was speaking to a church group, the people were very responsive, with one notable exception. She sat with her arms folded and a look that said, "I've made up my mind. Don't confuse me with the facts." Amazingly, she was one of the first people who came up to me afterward. She thanked me for my speech and said, "You changed my life tonight." It would have helped me if she had notified her face.
Contact Nell Mohney at nellwmohney@comcast.net.