God's Glory Church

“God made me laugh, everyone who hears will laugh at me.” — Genesis 21:6

Comedian John Brenyan said: “We didn’t invent laughter; it wasn’t our idea. Laughter was given to us by God, who knew we would need it in life. He knew we would face hardships, suffering, He knew… everything that was going to happen… That’s why laughter is a gift.”

A quick look at creatures created by God can cause laughter, for example, because of their strange appearance (such as the platypus) or their antics (playful otters). He created mammals that live in the ocean and long-legged birds that cannot fly. God obviously has a sense of humor. Because we are made in His image, it is also natural for us to laugh.

The word “laughter” first appears in the Bible in the story of Abraham and Sarah. God promised this deceased couple a child: “He who comes from your womb will be your heir” (Genesis 15:4). Then He said: “Look at the sky, and count the stars… Such will be your offspring” (v. 5). When Sarah finally gave birth at the age of ninety, Abraham named their son Isaac, which means “laughter.” Sarah said: “God made me laugh, everyone who hears will laugh at me” (Gen. 21:6). She was amazed that she could raise a child at her advanced age! God changed her skeptical laugh (Gen. 18:12) to a laugh of genuine joy.

Let’s thank God for the gift of laughter!

When did laughter become “good medicine” for you? How can a sense of humor help even in the most difficult moments of life?

Dear God, thank you for the gift of laughter.

By Alison Kieda