When I began thinking about doing these hilarious wooden signs, I started thinking about humour and laughter. I had remembered hearing about some research with some fascinating findings on the relationship between laughter and healing. Then it struck me that the Bible also had something to say on this topic. I began doing some research myself and was amazed at what I found. The Bible speaks a lot about joy, happiness and being cheerful. And, laughter is indeed good for us. I then wondered, just how much of it do we do on a day to day basis; and, how does God feel about humour and laughter? In fact, does God laugh and what makes Him laugh?
          The Bible says in Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Here God is telling us that it is good to have a merry heart; in fact, it can aid in healing just like medicine does. The Psalmist shares with us that it is “good” to have a merry heart and not a broken spirit. This passage goes on to tell us that a broken spirit dries up our bones. That is not a pleasant thought at all. God’s Word also tells us in Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. By being “merry” we can have a cheerful countenance. Have you ever met someone that just lit up the room by her presence? A cheerful countenance is contagious but unfortunately a broken spirit is also. One of my favourite books is called When Mama Ain’t Happy Nobody’s Happy (probably because I can relate). You see, ladies, we are like thermostats in our home which regulate our heating and cooling systems. Have you ever noticed that if you are in a bad mood, it isn’t very long before the rest of the household is the same? We really need to set our thermostats on “cheerful” for the sake and well-being of those around us we so dearly love. Our actions could go a long way to making our homes and workplaces a much more comfortable climate, instead of overheating or being way too cold, if you know what I mean.
          They are so many more verses in the Bible about joy and cheer that I could just go and on. There is no doubt in my mind that God wants us to be cheerful people. And, why not when we know Him as Saviour and Lord? If you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour you do have so much to be cheerful for. Most importantly, you know that you have a home in Heaven one day and that no one can ever take that away from you. And, you have a direct line to speak to the Lord anytime. More than that, you can pick up His Word and find comfort, wisdom and direction for any and every situation you are dealing with in your life. That’s a whole lot to be happy and cheerful about. If you have any doubt at all of whether or not you have a real relationship with Jesus, please see me or my husband anytime. We’d love to share that joy with you. It really bugs me when I see Christians going around being so gloomy and whinging all the time. We have so much to be happy about.
          Have you wondered if God laughs? Did Jesus laugh while He walked upon this earth? Well, the Bible doesn’t specifically record a particular instance where the Lord laughed but in light of all I’ve read, I’m sure He did and still does today. I heard once that the way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans. That is so true. Think of God looking down on us as we look at our kids sometimes. Have you ever said, “Now, what in the world were you thinking?” I’m sure that we give God some pretty good laughs...no need for the Comedy Channel when He has us as His children. Instead of telling God my plans and making Him laugh, maybe I should seek to know HIS plan and make Him smile.
          Furthermore, we were created in the image of God. We were given emotions just like He has. We know that God weeps and God gets angry. God has emotions just like we do. I think it is reasonable to conclude that God laughs as well since we laugh. And by knowing the verses I just said, God wants us to laugh, to be cheerful, to be happy.
           The famous verses in Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 say To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; There is a time to laugh and when we laugh it should be at something that is wholesome and good. I am not suggesting dirty comedies or jokes that are at the expense of someone else’s feelings, religion or ethnic background. I’m talking about just good, clean humour. We are instructed in Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Honestly, everyday life can provide us with enough material alone. And, we can laugh at ourselves when we do mess up.
          It is so wonderful that God has given us something within us that can actually help us feel better – like a medicine!! Studies say that it takes 13 muscles to smile, but 47 are required to frown. Quit working so hard on those frowns (less wrinkles too is a bonus). Laughter lowers the levels of certain chemicals in your body that harm your immune system. Laughter stimulates your heart, lowers your blood pressure and improves your breathing. It can even burn calories and give you that “jogger’s high.” Laughter engages almost all the major parts of your body. I know this from experience. After having a very serious emergency appendectomy, the last thing I wanted was for anyone to make me laugh. It put me in excruciating pain. Other studies have also proven that laughter reduces stress and increases your energy levels. And, it doesn’t cost you anything and has no side effects (except for maybe wetting your pants for laughing uncontrollably).
          Sadly though, studies show that we don’t laugh as much as we used to. We also quit laughing as much as we grow older. Children laugh about 400 times a day but the average adult only laughs around 15 times a day. We need to laugh more. Laughing is contagious. Have you ever been around someone who can’t stop laughing and before long you’re doing it as well? Laughter is obviously a very untouched but valuable resource in our arsenal of tools to battle stress, worry, anxiety and even sorrow. I’ve been at the home of people who have lost loved ones but suddenly break out into laughter from hearing a funny story about something their loved one did. Laughter heals.
          So now you have all the facts and a Biblical basis to back it up. Laughter is very good for you. Make it a point this week to put more joy in your life. Live cheerfully. Go out and rent a good clean funny movie. Read a funny book. Write down the funny things your kids say and tell them to your friends. Put some fun back in your life. You are so much better off than most of the world today. Laugh with others. Laugh at yourself. After all, LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE.

Pray (thank God for the gift of laughter...may we use it more)