Popular Christian speaker and author Joyce Meyer wants Christians to reflect on how they are approaching their lives, and think about the last time they truly had a good laugh.
"Laughter is the outward evidence of inward joy, and it is proven to make you feel better. I once heard someone say that laughter is like internal jogging, and I think that is so true. Laughter improves emotional and mental heath, it lifts our spirits, and it dispels worry. It's almost impossible to be anxious and laugh at the same time. This is why we would be wise to express joy in laughter every chance we get," she writes on her Everyday Answers blog.
Whenever people laugh, Meyer says that they exhibit the joy of the Lord. People might dismiss laughter as a simple act, but Meyer assures people that it has a lot of benefits because it can "ease any emotional and physical pain and bring you a new level of satisfaction in life."
"Laughter is vitally important in the battle against stress, anxiety, fear and worry. It's a tool from God that benefits you in so many ways. That's why the Word of God says: 'Then our mouths filled with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Then they said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. (Psalm 126:2)," she says.
So for people who are currently feeling stressed out or weighed down by problems, Meyer suggests that they have a hearty laugh. When people set the time to find laughter, they'll be amazed at how differently they will view their jobs, families, and relationships.
"That's my prayer for you. My prayer is that no matter what you are going through in life that you will remember the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). That you'll have a smile on your face no matter how intimidating the incident, how stressful the situation or how discouraging the dilemma," she says. "We don't laugh about our problems, but thankfully, we can laugh as we trust God to take care of them."
