Get ready to laugh

Pauline Matanda

“NOW Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. And Sarah said, ‘God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me’.” — Genesis 21:5-6

Laughter is very important in our lives.

Research shows that laughter strengthens our immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain and protects us from the damaging effects of stress.

Nothing works better to bring our mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. How many of us make it a point to laugh every day? Even when faced with stressful situations, laugh as this confuses the enemy. Laugh when they are expecting you to cry, yes, laugh it off!

Abraham and Sarah had a very strong desire to have a child. As the years of their marriage went by, the pain of being childless weighed on their hearts.

Frustrated, they devised schemes of their own. They tried Abraham to have a child through Sarah’s handmaid Hagar but that created more problems for them. (Genesis 16:1-6) May God give you the staying grace; the grace to wait patiently on His word. It may tarry but all will come to pass.

Sometimes it is just a test of faith.

When God speaks, keep believing. Have faith. Remember, faith moves mountains in front of us. Though it took long, Sarah finally gave birth to Isaac. This is when she said: “God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me”.

Her miracle from the Lord was not only astonishing but also provoked laughter.

This is not a laugh filled with doubt. Rather, it is a laugh filled with faith and rejoicing that God had brought a precious child into their lives.

All the pain that had been bottled deep down in Sarah’s heart for not having a baby to love and care was released in an expression of great joy. No wonder she says: “God has made me laugh.” — Genesis 21:6.

History repeats itself.

This is not the only instance where God has provoked laughter in His people by turning their situation around.

The psalmist said: “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter . . .” — Psalms 126:1–2.

The Israelites could not help but laugh when God miraculously turned around their captivity.

Get ready to laugh.

After going through all the stress, doubt and depression, get ready to laugh. Believe God is interested in your wellbeing. Yes, weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning.

When that joy comes, get ready to laugh! Believe that God is ushering you into a season of laughter.

Thank the Lord for opening a door of laughter for you before this year ends.