Rerun of Daily Devotional September 24, 2018
Mike sent the following joke. After reading it, I caught myself saying “Amen!”
“From Genesis: “And God promised men that good and obedient wives would be found in all corners of the earth.” Then He made the earth round, and He laughed and laughed and laughed.”
When you picture God in your head, what comes to mind? For some, it is a stern old man with a long flowing beard. This God sits in the clouds and looks down to see the moment we get out of line, and when we do, that’s when God sends the catastrophes of life.
Others see God as nothing more than the cosmic clockmaker, who assembles the universe, spins it into action, and sits back to see what happens.
Some see God as a unjust, vengeful being with a list of stern laws that rob all the joy from life.
None of those images are biblical nor are they healthy.
Our God is one of joy and laughter who doesn’t cause the bad things of this world but is so powerful, he brings good out of them.
Do you remember the story of Job? His children were killed, his wealth evaporates, his health was in serious jeopardy, and to top it all off, his wife says, “Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9)
One of Job’s friends, in trying to console him says, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21)
That is God’s promise to you. One day he will fill your mouth with laughter and you will shout for joy.
For some, it will happen in this life. For others, it will happen in the next, but it will happen. That’s how much God loves you.
I pray you are in a good place in life but if not, remember what Jesus says to his followers: “So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:22)
Our God is one of joy and laughter. And when we get to heaven, we will be laughing with him. That will be a good day.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I begin the hectic schedule of a new workweek, fill me with joy and laughter. Allow me to somehow bring your joy into the lives of those who have lost hope. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Believe it or not, heaven is just around the corner for all of us. That’s good news.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 