The Bible is full of scriptures about joy and laughter, and the way in which these two emotions come together for a fuller experience of life and faith. Our Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed the good news of joy and laughter, and it can be found throughout both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In fact, the scriptures are full of promises that bring joy and laughter, no matter what the situation we face.
What does the Bible say about Joy and Laughter?
When we turn to the Bible, we learn that joy and laughter extend beyond our own personal lives and into our faith. Joy and laughter are often mentioned in proximity with hope, trust, and faithfulness. Joy is mentioned throughout the Bible as something to be celebrated, as it is the reward of faithfulness. When we are obedient to the Lord, we can experience the joy of knowing we are walking in His will, even in times of difficulty.
In Proverbs 17:22, it is written, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” We learn that laughter is a medicine for the soul and can bring healing and hope. Similarly, Psalm 126:2 states “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.” Both of these scriptures encourage us to find joy in the Lord, and to share our joy with others.
When you are feeling low, the Bible encourages us to seek joy and laughter. In Ecclesiastes 3:4, it is written, “A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” We learn that joy and laughter can be found within our own hearts, even in the midst of sorrow and pain. In Philippians 4:4, we are encouraged to “rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.” It is when we turn our brokenness over to the Lord and let Him heal us that we can experience the sweetest joys and laughter.
The Bible is overflowing with scriptures about joy and laughter, which can offer us strength and courage when times are tough. The Lord desires that we experience life to its fullest and He encourages us to seek joy and laughter in His Word. He has given us good news of joy and laughter so that we can experience the fullness of life in Him.
Joy and Praise
Joy and laughter are often tied to praise and thanksgiving. When we understand and accept God’s love for us, it is natural to respond in joyful, exuberant praise. The Bible uses a variety of adjectives to describe the kind of joy and laughter that comes from praising the Lord—words like gladness, freedom, strength, and unity.
Psalm 33:1-3 says, “Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts”. We are encouraged to lift our voices in joy and laughter, creating beautiful music of love for our Lord.
In 1 Chronicles 16:8-9 it is written, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works”. Here we are encouraged to share the good news of joy and laughter with others, and to make God’s praises known to the world.
When we truly experience and appreciate the joy that comes from our faith in the Lord, we are more likely to be obedient and yield to His will. We will be drawn to praise Him and give thanks for His greatness. The Bible encourages us to lift our voices in joy and laughter, praising the Lord with every breath.
A Joyful Heart
Having a joyful heart is more than just feeling happy and carefree. According to the Bible, it is about having a frame of mind and spirit that aligns with God’s will and purpose. When we are in tune with God’s will, our joy is deep and lasting.
Psalm 16:11 states, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” When we walk in the Lord’s presence, we are promised fullness of joy. The joy and laughter that come from being in His presence are unlike any other type of joy.
In Psalm 51:12, it is written, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” We learn that it is the Lord who restores our joy. In Nehemiah 8:10, we are told to “go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready”. We are encouraged to joyfully share our good fortunes with others, and to be joyful in our giving.
The Bible is full of scriptures about having a joyful heart. When we choose to focus on the love and joy that God has for us, we can experience a deeper level of joy and happiness. The Lord is ever willing to fill us with joy, and to comfort us with His presence.
What Laughter Brings
The Bible speaks of laughter in terms of joy and celebration, but laughter can also be a source of strength and renewal. According to Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” We learn that joy and laughter can bring healing to our souls.
Laughter can also be a way to cope with difficult situations. In Hebrews 12:1-2, it is written, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Here we learn that Jesus looked to the joy that was set before him, even in the midst of his suffering.
Laughter can be a source of hope and strength in difficult times. We can draw strength from the knowledge that God is with us, and that He will never leave us. Laughing can help us to find the joy in the midst of difficulty and pain, and to focus on the promises of hope that come from God’s Word.
The Bible speaks of joy and laughter as a source of hope and renewal. When we choose to focus our attention on God’s love and mercy, we can experience a deeper level of joy. We can draw strength and hope from the knowledge that God is with us, and that He will never leave us.
Creating Joyful Memories
The Bible encourages us to create joyful memories with loved ones. In Proverbs 15:15 it is written, “All the days of the afflicted are bad, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.” We learn that even during the difficult times, a cheerful heart can cultivate a continual feast of joy.
Psalm 133:1 -3 says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” Here we learn that living in unity with loved ones can bring about many blessings, including joy and laughter.
Creating joyful memories with those we love can provide a sense of solace and comfort that can last a lifetime. The Bible encourages us to enjoy the blessings of making memories with those we love, looking to them for hope and strength during times of difficulty.
In Ecclesiastes 9:9 it is written, “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.” Here we are offered the encouraging reminder that we should take time to enjoy the blessings of life with our families, stirring up joyful moments and memories in the Lord.
The Bible is full of wisdom and encouragement about joy and laughter. It reminds us that the Lord desires that we experience life to the fullest, and that joy comes from our faithfulness to Him. We can draw joy and laughter from being in His presence, and from creating joyful memories with those we love. The Lord is always ready to fill us with joy and laughter, so that we can experience the fullness of life in Him.
