Laughter
The Bible says, “And at that time Solomon held a feast, and
all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God,
seven days and seven days, even fourteen days. On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king,
and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.” 1 Kings 8:65-66
(KJV)
In The Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient, Norman Cousins
tells of being hospitalized with a rare, crippling disease. When he was diagnosed as incurable, Cousins checked out of the
hospital. Aware of the harmful effects that negative emotions can have on the body, Cousins reasoned the reverse was true.
So, he borrowed a movie projector and prescribed his own treatment, consisting of Marx Brothers films and old “Candid
Camera” reruns.
It didn’t take long for him to discover that 10 minutes
of laughter provided two hours of pain-free sleep. Amazingly, his debilitating disease was eventually reversed. After the
account of his victory appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, Cousins received more than 3000 letters from
appreciative physicians throughout the world.
Righteousness and laughter can indeed
be uplifting. Satan, however, is always quick to attempt the thwart the things of God and substitute a sham.
Consider: Esther 5:9 (KJV) “Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation
against Mordecai.”
Galatians 6:7-8 (KJV) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
Daily Chronological Bible
Reading: Amos 6-9