The Medicine Cabinet: Laugh Often — Monday
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. (NLT)
My mom has the best laugh you’ll ever hear—ask anyone who knows her. When I was in high school, she taught music, and during classes, her laugh was so joyful it would echo through the halls. I recently had a friend of mine share that my laugh reminded me of my mom’s, and that felt like one of the highest compliments I could ever receive because it meant that I radiated at least a little of the utter joy that she does. And let me tell you, that joy is contagious!
The Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” We’ve all felt this on different levels at different times. Sometimes laughter comes easily and feels effortless. But other times it’s hard to even smile, much less laugh. Worry attacks us, our hearts are heavy or burdened, questions keep our minds racing… There are so many things in life that vie for our attention and try to rob us of joy.
But friends, let me remind you that Jesus is our joy. We can stand firm in the knowledge that He loves us deeply and that He is bigger than anything we could face, so while our laughter might not come as easily at times, our joy can still be complete and full and life-giving! The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” He carries us through and allows us to laugh in spite of difficulties and see that He is truly all that we need. And the kind of joy that comes from a deep faith in Jesus is the kind of joy that spreads just like my mom’s laughter. It will lift your spirits and the spirits of those around you.
No matter what life is throwing at you right now, rejoice in Jesus, our confident hope—because in Him, there is fullness of joy.
Monday’s Reflection
Take a moment to talk to God. Start by thanking Him for the things that bring you joy, and then ask Him to remind you of that joy throughout the day.