Be Filled With Joy
Have you heard this one?
God is talking to one of his angels and says, “Do you know what I have just done? I have just created a 24-hour period of alternating light and darkness on Earth. Isn’t that good?
The angel says, “Yes, but what will you do now?”
God says, “I think I’ll call it a day.”
Ha-ha!!!
It’s ok… you can laugh.
Have you ever thought of something funny during Sunday morning service, let out a little chuckle and immediately shrunk back in your seat?
Have you ever internally laughed at a goofy [relatable] social media post, but thought,
- “Maybe I shouldn’t hit that ‘Like’ button?
- What kind of ‘Christian’ Mom would enjoy a joke about their kids driving them crazy? (Ps. I would!)
- Who would laugh at a Parrot dancing to hip-hop?
- Or a sarcastic cartoon about being exhausted?
- What would people think?”
Have you ever heard a small child ask a funny question & the “adult” in you says you shouldn’t giggle, but the kid in you is dying of laughter on the inside?
How did you respond?? If you chose to laugh, smile or giggle, that is ok!
There is no shame in joy!
Unfortunately, there seems to be an understanding that in an effort to follow Christ we must display a serious [or sober]and rigid nature. While the majestic works of God are no laughing matter, certainly not to be taken for granted.Christ’s life was a display of a light yoke, a hope for a life filled with joy & peace. Share on XPlease hear my heart; there is an absolute need for disernment of what we should and should not jest about. However, we are allowed to be silly, playful and find child-like amusement in the everyday relatable moments of life.
Often, many of us believe we need “permission” to be playful or joyous. Yet throughout the Old and New Testaments, the fullness of joy is found in the presence of the Lord.
“Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. This is characteristic of God’s people, found in his presence. “-1 Chronicles 16:27
I’ll let you in on an amazing secret;
Jesus had a sense of humor you guys!
Isn’t that magnificently freeing!?!
If you aren’t quite sure, just check out some of his creations. One only needs to look around to see the joy, and even humor, that God built into the world. From the waddle of a penguin, to the fact that sea horses are horrible swimmers, along with the silly nature of monkeys, we see plenty of living things that bring laughter and amusement.God gave us the ability to laugh, whether in joy, at a funny situation, or even at a good joke. Share on X
It is possible that true and definitive evidence that God does indeed have a sense of humor is found in Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
He created man in HIS image, and certainly people are able to perceive and express humor. There is strength found in joy. God must show an ability to perceive, enjoy, or expression in what is comical.
Still, it is important to remember there is always a balance.
So, where to draw the line?
Well, let’s first start with where the guilt in joy comes from. “Humor” is all too often found at the expense of others, cruel or crude. We know God detest such things. Much of what the world calls comical, sadly is not funny at all. So often, the world’s humor is cruel and hate-filled.These antics should have no part in a Christian’s life (Colossians 3:8). Humor expressed at the expense of others (tearing down, belittling or creating divisions) is no laughing matter. Again, this is something contrary to God’s Word (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29).
While it’s important for us to remember that God takes no delight in waywardness, (Ezekiel 33:11; Matthew 23:37-38) we must also remember the importance of being joy-filled believers. Through this example we encourage and invite others to follow a life filled with hope & joy.
So, go ahead and take that silly selfie! Please take a moment to share a joke with your children, for in the joy there is strength! Share on X
Thank you Lord for the ability to find humor in the small moments. Thank you Lord for filling our hearts with delight and joy! Help us Lord to see the delight in the mundane and encourage others with the zeal we display. Amen.
by Christian Henton, a beautiful joy-filled faith-led writer.
A note from Coach Deb ~ Are you joy-filled or joy-seeking? I’ve been in the place of wondering what happened to my joy. In fact, I remember a time when my husband said, “I just want to see you enjoy it.” This, regarding something I believed the Lord was leading me to!
Truth is, I spent many years of my life “joy-seeking.” 
If this is something you can identify with, I hope you will reach out. Life and leadership coaching is a partnership. I would love to share the process and come alongside you. Let’s find your laugh again!
