Laughter and Joy in the Lord

After all the recent controversy about ‘laughter’ in the church. Here is a devotional sent to me today from Charisma Online. I still believe there is a place for genuine response to the joy that the Holy Spirit brings into our lives. Sometimes I cannot help but laugh!

Joy in the Holy Spirit

Today’s message is from Fuchsia Pickett.

I am told that laughter was a large part of the revival of 1948. It is a part of the move of God today. I know that some people may try to counterfeit this experience. But that doesn’t mean that joy and laughter are not real experiences in God.

I preached recently on the joy of the Lord. I had no idea what the response would be. When I finished preaching, we sang a chorus about the joy of the Lord. The glory of God began to breathe through the church. I saw men bending over in laughter. Children were giggling and teenagers were cackling.

I elbowed my husband and said, “It is happening.” No one had suggested anything or forced that manifestation of joy to happen. The presence of the Lord was simply filling the people and allowing them to experience His joy without inhibition.

We have lived a sour Christianity long enough. When God brings revival this time, we are going to be so happy that we will harass people with our happiness. They will be provoked to jealousy over our carefree, joyful countenances, attitudes and actions.

Joy is not found in worldly pursuits. Most people in the world have already discovered that truth. As the world sees our joy in the Holy Spirit, they will be attracted to God. And, as the presence of God reveals the compassionate heart of Jesus, we will be moved with love toward the unsaved.

TODAY’S PRAYER:

Lord, I don’t want to be a sour-faced Christian who frowns on those who are free enough to enjoy Your presence. Fill me with Your supernatural joy.

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