In her 365-day devotional “Jesus Calling” Sarah Young writes as if God is speaking to the reader directly. The June 17 entry says “Learn to laugh at yourself more freely. Don’t take yourself or your circumstances so seriously. Relax and know that I am God with you. When you desire My will above all else, life becomes much less threatening. Stop trying to monitor My responsibilities—things that are beyond your control. Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your dominion. Do not miss the joy of My presence by carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Young suggests that, just as parents delight in hearing their children laugh, God delights in hearing us laugh.
Last week we were fortunate enough to celebrate a high school graduation with our three children and their two grandmothers. It struck me that one of my favorite things about our times together at any holiday or special event is the shared laughter. Recounting old stories and memories of happy times is indeed good medicine for most of us. As the Psalmist wrote after the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, “Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” (Psalm 126:2)
It is not always easy to demonstrate the kind of faith personified by the wife of noble character in Proverbs 31 but it is something for which we should strive. “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” (Proverbs 31:25) Her confidence in God is so complete that she does not waste her time worrying about the future. This week may we experience more of God’s peace and joy.
celiastone 