Are You Able to Laugh?

Are You Able to Laugh?

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22, NIV

Do you know people who, if they would suddenly smile, their faces would crack into a million pieces? I’m sure you do. They’re everywhere. Even in the church.

Standup comedian and author David Brenner was signing books in a San Francisco bookstore when a young man handed him a newly purchased copy to be signed and said softly, “I want to thank you for saving my life.” Brenner replied flippantly, “That’s okay.” The young man stood his ground and said, “No, I really mean it.”

Brenner stopped signing and looked at him. The man said, “My father died. He was my best friend. I loved him and couldn’t stop crying for weeks. I decided to take my own life. The night I was going to do it, I happened to have the TV on. You were hosting The Tonight Show, doing your monologue. Next thing I knew I was watching you and laughing. Then I started laughing hysterically. I realized then that if I was able to laugh, I was able to live. So, I want to thank you for saving my life.” Humbled and grateful, Brenner shook his hand and said, “No, I thank you.”

One of my favorite pictures of Jesus was painted/created by Stephen Sawyer and it’s entitled “Joy to the World.” Do a Google search for it and I’m sure you’ll find it. Stephen writes this about his work: “Humor is a divine gift. Within the depths of humor there is great healing power for mind, body and spirit. Even deeper in humor there is the balm of forgiveness, patience, and unselfishness, which bubble-up as spiritual refreshment to our weary souls. The struggle for perfection, while it is long and difficult, is truly within our grasp. When Jesus exhorts us, even at this moment, to "Be of good cheer" He knows that He calls us to a life of service that challenges every resource and talent that God has given us. Jesus knows our path to perfection from free-will to consecrated free-will is the real struggle that shapes our eternal life, and the joy of unselfish service is our measure of success in overcoming the handicaps of our mortal limitations within the confines of time and space.”

I realize that for many Christians, this week, Holy Week, is not a joy-filled week. If we focus only on Jesus’ leaving His dearest disciples on Maundy Thursday and focus solely on His suffering on Good Friday’s cross, we would be people of despair. But that’s not where the story ended. Jesus conquered our sin at the cross and rose from death and the grave on the third day. Those facts alone should bring laughter to our lives.

My friend, never forget that laughter does more than help us escape our problems. It sometimes gives us the courage to face them. As humorous author Barbara Johnson has said, “ Laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper. It doesn’t permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.”

May you have a blessed Resurrection Day celebration with the knowledge that Jesus laughed at death as He exited the grave. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading Matthew 28:1-10 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message this coming Resurrection Sunday, April 5, as we worship the risen King of kings and Lord of lords!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.