Scriptures of Encouragement ~ Need a Good Laugh?

I'm in need of some laughter. How about you? There is something about a good ol' belly laugh that makes everything seem better. Not the dignified ha-has. I'm talking about the rolling in the floor, tear-dripping, face-hurtin' guffaws that affects everyone in its path. You know, the kind that makes everyone else laugh even though they have no idea what is so funny!

Nehemiah encouraged the children of God, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength"  (Nehemiah 8:10). This was a man and a people who had every reason to be overwhelmed. They had  been brought back from captivity and had, under the leadership of Nehemiah, rebuilt the wall surrounding Jerusalem. During the wall-building time, God's people overcame laziness, mockery, conspiracy and threats of physical attack. But, by God's grace, they endured and completed the wall. Now that the wall was secure, God began to restore the people to Himself. Nehemiah called for an assembly. The Word of God was read to them - for hours. Priests walked among the thousands of people gathered and helped them understand the Scriptures (remember, they had been held captive for years and could not celebrate their Jewish faith.) And the people wept. Just imagine how long it had been since they had heard the sweet Word of God. God's Spirit stirred within them. I believe, when confronted with the Word of God, the people recognized their sinful hearts - those things that separated them from a Holy God - and they wept.

But remember, we love a merciful God.

Nehemiah told them, "Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

The Joy of the Lord!! JOY! Unadulterated hope and security that is not contingent on circumstances. JOY in the knowledge that an awesome God loves us and hides us beneath the shadow of His wing. JOY that overflows from the wellspring of life breathed into us by the Breath of God.

Yes...joy.

Are you ready to feel some joy with a good laugh? It will take a few minutes, but I promise you it will be well worth your time. Please promise me that you will watch, ok? Laughter is good for the soul.

First video: My friend, Vonda Skelton, gives a literal translation to the vivid description of Solomon's Beloved found in Song of Solomon. She's gonna crack you up!



And the second video to bring you joy is Mark Lowry's, "Mama's Had Enough!" Too funny!



There. Now don't you feel better?

Enjoy the Lord today. Celebrate His Word. Rejoice in His goodness. And never forget...He loves you with an everlasting love. YOU are the apple of His eye.
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If you received Morning Glory via email, please go to the Morning Glory page for some great belly laughs with videos featuring Vonda Skelton and Mark Lowry. You'll be glad you did. I promise.