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Day 37: Laughter, worry and hope – part 1

Triviality, folly and frivolity are unworthy things that we must avoid. But joy and laughter are good things in the Lord. The Gospels are full of rejoicing, such as when the Lord Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit that the things of the Kingdom, though hidden from the wise of the world, have been revealed to little children (Luke 10:21).

These proverbs speak of the disappointment of seeing our desires melt away so that we are left heart-sick (Prov. 13:12). Yet, they also tell us of the happiness we feel when our hopes come true (Prov. 13:19). We will surely experience both in this life. May our feet be firmly planted upon the Rock so that we are neither proud when things go well nor crushed when things fall apart.

A word of encouragement given in the right season can brighten a person weighed down with anxiety (Prov. 12:25), and we ask for such perceptiveness to do this.

Often a person can put on a brave front when on the inside their heart is aching (Prov. 14:10). Even laughter, which can be good, cannot cure an aching heart (Prov. 14:13). We must learn the lesson that even though our lives be full of joy, that joy may not last (Prov. 14:13).

The bible often warns us against envy. Envy begins in the mind when we see that others have a better life than we do, and we want what they have. Envy is the opposite of trusting God with a grateful heart. Nothing good comes from envy (Prov. 14:30). It kills us from within and comes out of a sinful heart (Mark 7:22). May the Lord make us grateful people who trust Him with our lot in life.

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

– Prov. 12:25

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

– Prov. 13:12

A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.

– Prov. 13:19

The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

– Prov. 14:10

Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.

– Prov. 14:13

A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

– Prov. 14:30

O Lord, thank you that You are the God of joy. You are the God who delights in all that is good. Thank You that nothing in You is bitter or miserable.

Hide us in Your love – and then come what may, let us trust You. May envy never gain a foothold within our lives. Instead, give us joy in You in all situations. May we rejoice in the Lord.

Give us perception to know when others are hurting and to speak to them words of healing.

We pray this in our Saviour’s Name,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes