When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:1-2
Did you know that you can praise God with laughter?
Over the last few days we’ve been discussing different ways to praise God. Praise is incredibly important. We need to praise God because it helps us to experience God’s presence, which is something we need every day.
We’ve talked about the fact that we can sing, shout or make any sort of joyful noise to praise God, but we often forget the fact that laughter is also on that list. Take a look at today’s verse, for example. When God’s people experienced his blessings, laughter was a part of the way they expressed their joy and gratitude, and it brought glory to God.
As believers, we can get caught up in legalistic, religious thinking. We sometimes place limits on our praise and worship, assuming that it needs to be confined to singing hymns within a church service. God doesn’t share these limiting ideas. If he blesses us and we laugh and giggle and give him the credit for that blessing, we’re praising him and he loves it!
Laughter is not irreverent and it wasn’t designed by the devil. Psalm 2 and Psalm 37 say that God laughs, and Job 8:21 says he will fill our mouths with laughter and our lips with shouts of joy.
Praise is meant to be enjoyed! After all, God wants you to enjoy the
blessings he’s given you and the people he’s placed in your life.