April 1
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them. The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad." - Psalm 126:2-3 (NKJV)
Laughter is a wonderful thing - a gift of God and a joy to be treasured. God's people in today's scripture are exulting in the gift of laughter. Traditionally the first day in April has been observed as "April Fool's Day", a wonderful time for laughter and good hearted jokes. While jokes should never be used to humiliate or hurt anyone, healthy laughter releases healing, joy, and happiness into life. Real Christians can be recognized by the joy they radiate and the healthy humor they share appropriately. A bitter, dour, or sour face or spirit is incapable of effectively sharing the joyful Good News of Christ.
While April Fool's Day is one of the most light-hearted days of the year, its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new Roman calendar by Emperor Constantine after he became a Christian. Yet we do know many different cultures have observed days of humor and laughter at the start of April.
Perhaps there's something about this time of year, with its transition from Winter to Spring, that releases lighthearted humor, laughter, and joy. If you have found yourself stressed, depressed, or suppressed during the previous cold winter months, try reconnecting today with God's divine gift of laughter. You will be glad you did. God will laugh with you as He does some great thing in your life!
Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for the gift of Laughter. Release joy within me today as Spring smiles once again. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Humor heals. Bitterness steals.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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