God Wants You to Be Joyful

Posted on Jul 16, 2020 Topic : Inspirational/Devotional, Men's Christian Living, Women's Christian Living

Leslie Miller of USA Today once stated, “When it comes to religion, the USA is a land of believers. A new poll reveals that 96 percent of Americans believe in God.”

It’s hard to believe that statistic, considering how many people seem to try to make it without Him. Perhaps J.I. Packer was right when he said, “Our expectations of seeing the power of God transforming people’s lives are not, generally speaking, as high as they should be.”

One of the best ways God changes us is through the impact of humor. I learned this as a young teen attending the Fifth Avenue Church in Columbus, Ohio. I often heard my pastor, the Rev. C.O. Walters, ask the question, “Is everybody happy? If so, say Amen!” What an impact this had on my spiritual life—a minister who believes in laughter!

Maybe the importance of humor in our spiritual life is at the heart of a story I heard about a three-year-old boy who listened attentively to a Sunday morning message. When he was asked about what he had learned, the child responded, “Jesus died so that we could have ever-laughing life!” And you know what? He was right! Salvation and everlasting life certainly include joy and laughter.

Humor truly is a godsend. Oswald Chambers called humor “the lubricant of missionary life.” Laughter is very much a part of my faith life. I hope it is also a part of yours. When we dismiss laughter from the pulpit, the pew, and everyday life, we miss God’s best for us in Christian experiences.

My love of humor has always been paired with a simple faith in God’s ability to perform miracles. As a child, I was often encouraged by the words affixed to the wall in the choir loft of my home church: “Jesus Never Fails.” I accepted this at face value and have never ceased to believe that “God can do anything but fail!”

May your faith in God’s ability to do the impossible be renewed. May the words of the prophet Isaiah challenge your faith and calm your fears:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west (Isaiah 43:1-5).

What God did for the children of Israel, He can and will do for you. God has never failed me, and He will never fail you.