The Rebel’s Guide – Be An Imperfect Friend - Thursday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 17:22a
“A joyful heart is good medicine…” (ESV)
Think back to the last time you shared a laugh so genuine it made your cheeks hurt or your sides ache. Those moments are healing, aren’t they? God designed laughter this way! And science is finally catching on.
Recently, scientists in Brazil set out to test the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine” and found it can indeed improve cardiovascular health, ease symptoms of heart disease, and relieve stress. Proverbs had it right all along, “a joyful heart is good medicine”—it really does something powerful in our minds and bodies.
Who are the people that make you laugh the most? For me, it’s often friends I’ve known the longest. Ben Rector’s song Old Friends sums it up perfectly:
No one knows you like they know you
And no one probably ever will.
You can grow up, make new ones
But truth is, there's nothing like old friends
'Cause you can't make old friends
A good laugh with old friends is more than just a quick lift. It builds trust, breaks down barriers, and reminds us that we’re not alone. In a world that’s filled with pressures and anxieties, a shared laugh can be the reset we need to see life through a lighter lens.
Think about Jesus and His disciples. Though Scripture doesn’t depict Jesus laughing, He shared meals, traveled, and lived closely with these friends. It’s safe to imagine they shared plenty of laughs along the way. Friendship isn’t just for the hard times; it’s about celebrating, appreciating, and finding joy together in the little moments.
Today, try to embrace the joy that God gives us in friendship. Life is too short to go through it without a little laughter!
REFLECTION
Reach out to a friend who always makes you laugh, and plan a time to hang out or chat this week. If you can’t meet, send them a funny video or joke to share a moment of joy.