Tag: laughter

The Power of Laughter

Last night I spoke about the power of laughter. Laughter is a strategy and can be an effective weapon while going through warfare. Psalm 126:1 says, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter…” God is filling our hearts with laughter in this season.

In Psalm 126:1-6, after 70 years of exile in Babylon, the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem (around 538 BC) when King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree. This was a fulfilment of God’s promises and a turning point in Israel’s history. This scripture reflects on the following themes;

  • Deliverance
  • Restoration
  • Joy
  • Gratitude
  • Hope

Last night, I discussed a few benefits of laughter as per the scriptures.

  • Laughter brings healing and restoration – Proverbs 17:22 says that “a merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones”. Laughter and joy has the ability to uplift your spirit, reduce stress, and even improve physical health- just like good medicine.
  • Laughter reflects God’s blessing and restoration- Psalm 126:2 says “then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them”. Laughter has been found to be a sign of God’s deliverance and faithfulness which expresses one’s deep gratitude and joy after hardship.
  • Laughter is a sign of joy and abundance- In Genesis 21:6 “And Sarah said  God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me”. What God is getting ready to do in your life, will not only bring your laughter and joy- it will bring those who are close to you great joy too. The laughter that is coming is coming from both expected and unexpected blessings which will serve as a testimony of God’s goodness to others.
  • Laughter builds strength through joy- Nehemiah 8:10 says “do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”- this shows that joy which leads to laughter is a source of spiritual strength.
  • Laughter defies fear and anxiety- Proverbs 31:25 states, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come”. Laughter is a reflection of your confidence and trust in God’s future, even in uncertain times.
  • Laughter helps build community and connection – Though there is no record of Jesus laughing in the scriptures, Jesus’ life and ministry created joyful relationships and restoration amongst those He encountered.
  • God rejoices- In Zephaniah 3:17, it shows us that God rejoices over us, His people: “The Lord your God is with you…. He will take great delight in you….. He will rejoice over you with singing”. In Romans 14:17, Paul defines the Kingdom of God- “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
  • So when you walk in joy ad peace, you are exercising the Kingdom of God on Earth.

I had to research the psychological and health benefits of laughter, and I was intrigued by what I found.

  • Laughter reduces stress and anxiety- laughter lowers the level of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which helps the body to relax and calm the mind. Deep laughter triggers physical relaxation that can last for up to 45 minutes afterwards.
  • Laughter elevates mood- laughter boosts the release of endorphins (the body’s feel-good chemicals), similar to a natural antidepressant. Laughter helps to combat depression and improves overall mood and outlook on life. I encouraged viewers yesterday to force laughter even when they don’t feel like laughing- Research shows that forced laughter can eventually lead to genuine mood improvement.
  • Laughter enhances resilience and coping- research has shown that people who laugh more often tend to be more resilient in the face of adversity. Laughter provides psychological distance from problems, making them seem more manageable, and helps us reframe challenges with a lighter, more optimistic perspective.
  • Laughter strengthens social bonds- laughter is socially contagious and builds connection and trust between people. Laughter can enhance empathy, reduce social anxiety, and increase a sense of belonging.
  • Laughter improves cognitive function- humour and laughter engage multiple areas of the brain, supporting mental flexibility and creativity. Laughter helps with problem-solving, creative thinking, and learning. Laughter stimulates both sides of the brain, encouraging better information retention.
  • Laughter provides a safe, non-threatening outlet to express deep or suppressed emotions. Laughter acts like an emotional reset, helping to release built-up tension or sadness.
  • Laughter encourages mindfulness and present-moment awareness- laughter draws your attention into the now, interrupting rumination and negative thought cycles. Laughter helps to break patterns of worry and promotes psychological presence.
  • Laughter boosts self-esteem and optimism- research has found that people with a healthy sense of humour often have higher self-worth and are more hopeful. Laughter supports a more positive self-image and encourages a growth mindset.

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I honour You, Lord and Your presence. Father, I invite your joy and laughter into my life. As I have learnt that the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, Lord, activate the Kingdom of God in my life. Anoint me with the oil of gladness and let joy and laughter be my portion for the rest of my days in Jesus’ mighty Name, I pray, Amen and Amen.

YouTube Video- ‘The Power of Laughter’- https://bit.ly/4lFQU9i