After our big meal on Thanksgiving Day, my family joined in a game of Balderdash. Balderdash is a board game of bluffing and trivia (as defined by Wikipedia). It was the first time I had ever played. There were moments that I was laughing so hard that I could barely breathe. I had so much fun. I think everyone around the circle had fun as well. We definitely had some moments that we won’t soon forget!
Laughter is so good for us. We’ve all heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine.” I have found that to be really true for me. There have been times when I thought I might just go crazy but then someone makes me laugh and it seems better, even if just temporarily.
I have to think that God created us to laugh since every good and perfect gift is from Him (James 1:17). He also knew that in this fallen world we would need that release. Laughter can ease the tension that our busy lives tend to give us.
However, you can have laughter without joy and vice versa. People tend to confuse the two thinking that if you have joy that you will be smiling and laughing all the time. The joy we have as believers is much deeper than our feelings or our emotions. You can have joy in the midst of sorrow.
Everyone is different but when I have trouble “finding my joy” I know that I need to do some praising and thanking! Generally speaking that means singing for me. Journaling is another way to focus on what I should be focused on. It also forces me to quiet myself so that I can write. How about you? Where do you find your joy?
As the Psalmist wrote:
“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV
May the same be true for you!
Have a great day!