Proverbs 17:22, New International Version

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

Laughter is a gift from God.

Laughter is a great way to stay encouraged.

We are all dealing with personal, emotional, spiritual issues. They can weigh us down and get our focus off. But during these circumstances there are still opportunities to help us maintain our sense of humor.

I like this description of laughter: Laughter is one of the greatest mental tonics known to man. It is the second most powerful human emotion we as people can possibly express (the first being love.) Laughter can dispel anxiety, help manage stress, depression, fear, and worry. It can stimulate the healing process. Laughter provides strong medical, psychological, social, and even spiritual benefits.

Laughter is like internal jogging. It enhances the respiratory system, helps oxygenate the body, relaxes tense muscles, and is an all-around pain killer. It will lower pulse and blood pressure. Laughter can pave the way for a new and exciting outlook on life. It is the universal communicator that can cross all boundaries of race and culture. You can’t laugh and be mad; you can’t laugh and worry. Stress, worry, and laughter is not compatible. (from Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times)

My prayer for you today is that you are looking for opportunities to laugh.

If you have been caught in a season of disappointment or struggles, maybe you have lost your joy, and as a result, laughter is a rare occurrence. 

You have likely heard the old saying that laughter is the best medicine. That happens to come from the Bible! Proverbs 17:22 is true—a merry heart really does a spirit, soul and body good like medicine. 

There are spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of joy and laughter. Science has proven why the Bible tells us to laugh—it’s good for our health! Laughter reduces stress, fights against depression and sorrow, fosters a positive outlook on life, and puts you in an all-around good mood. Laughter also lowers blood pressure, and impacts the cells in your body, preventing disease and setting you up to live long and strong.

If you don’t laugh every day or if you need to restore the joy in your life, begin today by renewing your mind with these twenty-five scriptures in the book of Proverbs about joy and laughter.

When you renew your mind to the power of laughter with these twenty-five scriptures about joy and laughter, you will begin to see the importance of incorporating laughter into your day. Find something funny to laugh about today. Don’t wait for it to happen to you accidentally. Laugh on purpose and change the course of your life!