Learning To Laugh...all Over Again!

The world pays people to make it laugh. Stand up comedians are paid to make people laugh. Books, movies and pictures abound that has one purpose…to make people laugh! The laughter lasts for a moment and then ceases.

The child of God however has within him rivers of living water flowing, a well springing up into everlasting life, yes, life and that more abundantly! As we allow the spontaneous movement of this life within us we are able to experience a joy unspeakable and full of glory.

WE ARE COMMANDED BY THE WORD OF GOD TO REJOICE!

We are commanded to Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 KJV

Psalms 132:9 KJV Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Psalms 35:27-28 KJV Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. 28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart. Psalms 32:11 KJV

It is the inherent right of the Christian to rejoice for the Word says: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psalms 5:11 KJV So do we trust Him? Do we love His Name? Then we need to begin rejoicing!

The Bible says A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:... Proverbs 17:22 KJV It is medicine that should be taken regularly without fail!

When the Saviour was born some shepherds had a heavenly visitor who brought joyful news, then was joined by a heavenly host that put on a joyous dazzling display for the shepherds because the Beloved Son had come down to man!

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10 KJV

Luke 2:13-14 KJV And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

WHAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO REJOICE AND HAVE JOY?

As a citizen of the kingdom of God, we are partakers of not only righteousness and peace but Joy, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17 KJV

When we dwell in the presence of the Lord we experience fullness of joy! The Word says: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11 KJV

When we ask and receive from the Lord we experience fullness of Joy! Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24 KJV

The Bible says Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. 16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. 17 For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. Psalms 89:15-17 KJV

Nehemiah 8:8-10 KJV So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The joy of the Lord does not just strengthen; the joy itself is our strength. This joy helps us to stand and look the enemy full in his eye and laugh when he threatens. It helps us to sing praises during our sufferings and to think little or nothing of the shame connected to serving Him. We are able to praise Him in the storm because we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV