7 Important Things we can learn about Laughter in the Bible

The benefits of laughter

It’s true: laughter is strong medicine.

Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

There's nothing quite like sharing a hearty belly laugh with friends, often accompanied by tears — an

involuntary response to something hilarious. Some recent dad jokes making the rounds are too good to

resist, like this gem: “What did the buffalo say to his son as he left for college?“

“Bison.”

Laughter is a gift from God, connecting us to the joyful presence of our Creator. Psalm 16:11 beautifully

says, “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” This

sentiment is echoed in Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” where we're reminded of God's joyful affection for His children

Victor Borge famously said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."

1. Laughter Is Good for the Soul

Laughter is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, sprinkled between the verses and stories we've

learned so well.

One such story is from 1 Samuel 21, where the king’s regal and dignified surroundings, with grandeur and

prestige reflecting the esteemed status and stately decorum, somehow caused the quota of “madmen” to

be excessive.

David, fleeing from murderous Saul, went to enemy territory in Gath. When King Achish’s servants

question, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: “Saul

has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?”

So, fearful of the King, David pretended to be insane, acting like a madman. The irony and absurdity of

the situation, coupled with King Achish’s incredulous reaction, bring a comedic element: “Am I so short

of madmen that you have to bring this fellow here to carry on like this in front of me? Must this man

come into my house?” 1 Samuel 21:15. There is a bond between laughter and crying, both forms of

emotional release that stem from a place of vulnerability and authenticity. While preaching, I noticed a

natural inclination for people to resonate with humorous illustrations, which correlated with opening

their hearts to spiritual response, often evoking tears. The link between laughter and tears is incredibly

tight. Laughter is the gateway to the heart.

Our shared range of emotions is a precious gift. Just picture the disciples' overjoyed and carefree

laughter when they saw the resurrected Jesus. Awestruck by His loving smile and the marks of the nails

in His hands and feet, their grief was shattered as rejoicing, dancing, and fullness of joy were restored.

The gift of laughter heals, relieves stress, uplifts, and lends a new perspective in harsh situations.

2. Laughter Is a Divine Gift

Laughter, a gift from God, is a precious and often overlooked treasure in our daily lives. It is a beautiful

manifestation of joy that transcends language barriers and cultural divides. A simple smile shared with

a stranger can ignite a chain reaction of positivity, reminding us of laughter’s impact on our

interconnectedness.

The Book of Proverbs has this gem of wisdom: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit

dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22). It's like a gentle nudge from above, reminding us to embrace

laughter as a source of healing and renewal.

3. Laughter Is Linked with the Miraculous

Long past the hope of ever having a baby, the Old Testament story of a barren woman, Sarah, hearing

God’s promise of a child, bursts into laughter (Genesis 18: 12). After a lifetime of infertility, the joy of

imagining herself as a mother, amid disbelief, laughter bubbles forth. “And Sarah said, ‘God has made

laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me'” (Genesis 21:6). And their son, Isaac, means

laughter.

4. Laughter Lifts Our Spirit

But laughter isn't just about giggles and chuckles; it can also be an act of resistance in the face of

adversity. The story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, despite facing ridicule from his

enemies, declares, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Laughter has the power to defy despair and lift our souls. Victor Hugo said, “Laughter is the sun that

drives winter from the human face.”

5. Trusting God Like a Child

Too often, we take ourselves too seriously. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we

forget to remember whose child we are. Jesus Himself said, "Let the little children come to me, and do

not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

The innocence and spontaneity of children's laughter are gentle reminders of the pure joy inherent in

being a child of God. Witnessing a child giggle is infectious, a gentle nudge to embrace life’s simple

pleasures. We can learn from their carefree laughter and approach each moment with the same lightheartedness

and joy.

6. Laughter Changes Our Mood

Anger and laughter are not compatible. Laughter, the better choice, can transform an angry atmosphere, release

tension, and foster optimism. It is a weapon, and Mark Twain described it as such: “The human race has only

one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” Laughter and enjoyment are gifts from the Lord, who

“…gives us everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). So, before counting to ten, try laughter next

time you get angry!

Why Does This Matter?

A woman was going to church when her car suddenly broke down. With no time to waste, she quickly

called for an Uber. When the driver arrived, she hopped in, eager to make it to church on time. As they

made their way down the road, the woman conversed with the driver, asking him a question. However,

her innocent inquiry was met with complete silence.

Puzzled by the lack of response, the woman leaned forward, gently tapping the driver on his arm to get

his attention. Suddenly, the car swerved into the other lane, narrowly avoiding a collision, before

skidding onto the shoulder of the road.

Shaken from the close call, the woman apologized, explaining that she hadn't meant to startle him. To

her surprise, the driver chuckled softly and reassured her, "No, no, it's not your fault at all. You see, it's

my first day driving for Uber. For the past 25 years, I've been behind the wheel of a hearse."

Laughter is woven into the very fabric of our existence, a reminder that life is meant to be savored and

celebrated. So, let's laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and spread joy wherever we go. The

psalmist beautifully says, "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy" (Psalm

126:2).

God gifts us with laughter that heals, uplifts, restores, provides a new perspective and changes our

mood. The Author of life is full of joy that spills over us — “in Your presence is fullness of joy.”

As the comic actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

Until next time, keep shining your light and spreading love and laughter like confetti.

And one more bad joke: “How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?”

“Ten-tickles.”