Remember to laugh
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2
My mother received a plaque from a friend last month that said, "Remember to Laugh". As she was showing it to me we laughed and laughed as we agreed that, at her age, it should say "Remember to Breathe." This is ironic as she is battling COPD making breathing more of a struggle with each passing day. And this is why I love and admire this woman so much. In the face of trials and obstacles, she has always laughed. It seems to be a pattern for her. Life throws her a curve ball, she smiles and swings her bat. Oh, what lessons I have learned from watching her live. "Strength and dignity are her clothing. And she smiles at the future." Psalm 31:25
All of us face battles in our lives. God never said this journey would be easy only that He would be with us through it. Psalm 48:14 says, "For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end." Shouldn't knowing that God is our God forever be enough to keep a smile on our face? Shouldn't we be constantly worry free knowing that He promises to be our guide? Well, of course the answer is yes. But do we? Well, of course the answer is no.
John 16:33 tells us, ""These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Why isn't having peace enough to bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart? Because worldly peace (based on circumstances) can't give it. True peace (regardless of circumstances) comes only through a relationship with Jesus. He says, "in Me you may have peace." There is nothing else in this world that can give you this apart from Christ. So if you're aching for peace in your life and joy in your heart, look no further than the first place you can find to stop and pray. He's what you need. And that's no laughing matter because "the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10. Woohoo!! Are you smiling yet?!!!
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of laughter. It truly is a gift to have peace and happiness in the midst of trials and pain. May we remember that we draw strength from the joy that is found only through you Lord-the true joy of your presence. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
It's all because of You that I smile.-Kirk Franklin
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