I got the following text message from a member of our church who loves to bowl: “Sexual entertainment venues and bowling alleys are explicitly called out in the Governor’s Phase 2 Plan as not being allowed to open yet. I’m so glad my hobby is lumped in with strip clubs. Just have to laugh.”
Needless to say, we are living in strange times where wearing a mask in the bank is considered considerate, refusing to shake someone’s hand is true courtesy, and toilet paper has become our most precious commodity. This is a weird world. Like Chris said, “Just have to laugh.”
While the Bible never actually says Jesus laughed, I know he did. That’s because Jesus was a magnet for children. They are never attracted to sourpusses. Instead, children are attracted to people of laughter, joy, and grace. Even though Jesus had the weight of the world on his shoulders, he was still a person of laughter. It should be the same for us.
While each of us is facing a new and strange world where friends send messages about bowling alleys and strip clubs, we can never let the surreal quality of life impact the core of our being. By virtue of following Jesus Christ, we are people of joy.
That does not mean we have smiles plastered on our faces when tragedy strikes and the world seems to have come to an end. That’s insane.
Being a person of joy simply means that because we know how the story ends, we have nothing to fear. Nothing can take away our joy or hope.
Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
Even if you can’t go bowling, don’t let it rob your joy.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to be a person of joy and laughter. Let me bring your joy and laughter to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
As the poem by Walterrean Salley says, “Laughter is infectious.” Let’s pray it’s the only thing that’s infectious.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 