Recently, we had the opportunity to see John Crist in Mobile with some friends. And it was a blast! We laughed for a few hours straight! Anyone who knows me knows I love a good dad joke. I feel like every dad does, even if they don’t admit it!

As I sat there laughing, I kept thinking about how much I needed it. Life can get busy. Ministry can be demanding. Responsibilities pile up. Sometimes we get so focused on what needs to be done next that we forget to enjoy the life God has given us.

What I love about laughter is that it’s something the Lord created. I don’t doubt one bit that Jesus and His disciples laughed, had joy, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. We often picture Jesus teaching, healing, praying, and performing miracles—and rightly so. But He also attended weddings, shared meals with friends, and spent time with people He loved.

Proverbs 17:22 says, “A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones” (NASB2020).

That verse kept coming to mind throughout the night. Joy and laughter really are good for the soul. They don’t solve every problem, but they remind us that our problems don’t have the final word.

The enemy would love for us to live exhausted, discouraged, and overwhelmed. He would love for us to believe that joy is optional. But Scripture paints a different picture. Joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Joy is a gift from God. Joy is strength for the journey.

When was the last time you experienced real joy?

When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt?

When was the last time you enjoyed the people God has placed in your life without worrying about tomorrow?

It matters more than we think.

The Lord used a night of laughter to remind me of an important truth about joy, burdens, and God’s provision for our lives.

That night in Mobile, the Lord reminded me that laughter isn’t a distraction from life. Sometimes it’s part of God’s provision for life. It’s like medicine for our souls. We need it.

Maybe for you, joy looks like spending time with family. Maybe it’s sitting on the back porch with a cup of coffee. Maybe it’s going fishing, taking a walk, sharing a meal with friends, or laughing with your kids.

Whatever it is, don’t neglect it.

If you’ve lost your joy, ask the Lord why. Ask Him to reveal what’s weighing your heart down. He is faithful to show us the things we’re carrying that He never intended us to carry alone.

And once He does, release those burdens to Him.

Then go have a good laugh.

May we be people marked by the joy of Jesus. May we laugh often, love deeply, and trust the Lord completely.

May we look more like Jesus every day.