I woke up yesterday morning thinking of the fellowship of believers that I am in the company of each weekend. When I thought of these people it brought a smile to my face. We come together on the weekends to worship God through our song, fellowship, and agreement with His Word, as our pastor speaks into our lives.
I have been in the company of believers for many years now and I know that we are different. We are hungry to know that we are walking out our purpose, that these days are fruitful, and that we are seeing them for all that they truly hold for us.
We all need joy in our lives. It is not something that we want to keep on the shelf and pull down on occasion. Joy is what makes us fun to be around. It is contagious and has the ability to change a moment that is heavy and disconcerting, into a time of comfort and peace.
Back in the 80’s, when my children were just babies, I had a friend whose husband was all about laughter. He actually had a business where he was hired by large corporations to come and do seminars about laughter. His aim was to attack the growing stress and anxiety in the workplace. He accomplished this by teaching people how to relax, and allow the very nature of laughing ease the pressures that were having negative consequences on their work, and their lives.
Bob Hope, and other comedians, did this same thing as they traveled to the war torn areas of Europe in the 40’s. Our servicemen and women needed to experience laughter, and a taste of joy, even as they were on the frontline facing a menacing enemy.
I believe this is a good message for us as believers. We have been talking of late of the armor of God, and how we need to protect ourselves against the schemes of the enemy. While this is absolutely true, I know that we must not lose our joy and hope, as we battle this unseen accuser. He would have us believe that we have nothing to be joyful about in these days. This is a lie!
We are walking out the promises of God in an age that is exciting, and in startling contrast to the perspective that our enemy insists is true. My advice is that we hold fast to what we know is true, and allow laughter to soothe our souls, even as we arm ourselves for the continued battle.
Psalm 37:12-13 CSB The wicked person schemes against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him. The Lord laughs at him because he sees that his day is coming.
James 5:13 NIV Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.