A Joyous Monday morning to you friend!
This week, I want us to see and walk in the benefits of being able to laugh and experience God’s joy. There are spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of laughter and joy. That means this affects us, spirit, soul and body!
Our first scripture is a powerful one – Proverbs 15:13-15 A cheerful heart puts a smile on your face, but a broken heart leads to depression. Lovers of God hunger after truth, but those without understanding feast on foolishness and don’t even realize it. Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness.
When your heart is healthy and joyful, it shows on your face and in how you act. You will go after God’s truth so you can not feed on lies. The last part of this verse shows us that joy is a choice, and it will bring you more and more joy and fullness. Dear brothers and sisters, please see the difference between allowing yourself to be depressed and broken and when you choose to be joyful and, yes, even laugh regardless of the circumstances!
Proverbs 17:22 –
A happy heart is good medicine, and a joyful mind causes healing,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
I don’t know about you, but I want healing that comes with joy and happiness! Did you know that science has proven that what the bible says is true about joy and laughter.
- Laughter is good for our health
- Laughter reduces stress
- Joy fights against depression and sorrow – (Psalm 42:5)
- Fosters a positive outlook on life
- Laughter puts you in an all-around good mood
- Laughter lowers blood pressure and impacts the cell in your body by preventing disease and setting you up to live long and strong!
Proverbs 31:25 TPT – Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days. Let’s not allow the enemy to rob us of our future when God says it’s a good one. Jeremiah 29:11 TPT – Here’s what Yahweh says to you: “I know all about the marvelous destiny I have in store for you, a future planned out in detail. My intention is not to harm you but to surround you with peace and prosperity and to give you a beautiful future, glistening with hope.
Psalm 42:5 TPT – So then, my soul, why would you be depressed? Why would you sink into despair? Just keep hoping and waiting on God, your Savior. For no matter what, I will still sing with praise, for you are my saving grace!
Psalm 42:5 AMP – Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become restless and disturbed within me?
Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
I leave you with this to meditate on this week:
Proverbs 37:4 AMP –
Delight yourself in the Lord,
And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.
When David said “Delight” yourself, he was saying – “to be happy about, take exquisite delight, to make merry over”, the Lord, and He will both give you the desires of our heart and He will give you the right things to desire for a beautiful life!
Remember, you are Loved, you are Righteous, and you are His!
May I share a story. It helps me to remember. Last week I was facing some very difficult situations. Physical pain and emotional pain with a lot of tears. It was spiraling down. I was spiraling down.
Fnally I said Terri STOP!! And started to fake laugh (thanks Cindy Mezas) which sounded so ridiculous that I started really laughing… and laughing. Thank you Colleen for the opportunity to relive.
Once again Colleen your message has hit home. The physical pain is bad enough but last week I was devastated with a family situation and struggling to not get depressed. I too listen to Cindy Meza and she does believe in laughing at the enemy. I will make myself laugh even though it’s the last thing I feel like doing. Thanks Terri for sharing.
The Joy of the Lord is my strength! What a reminded and a promise! Thank you both!
My dear sister in Christ. I do feel better when I can laugh and joke. It is most difficult when you are struggling with great pain as I am. But as always your sweet messages are so uplifting! Sending love to you and David and an early happy anniversary!
My dear sister in Christ. I do feel much better when I can laugh but it isn’t easy when you are dealing with constant pain as I am. I know that you understand this. You are such a blessing. Happy early and anniversary to you and David