I read something funny on the Internet and was snickering.
In my spirit, I heard the Lord ask, “When your kids were little, what’s the thing you most wanted to see them doing?”
“Laughing,” I answered, without missing a beat.
When my kids were babies, toddlers, teens, and yes, even today, there is nothing better than seeing them laugh and enjoy their lives.
Our Heavenly Father seems to feel the same. He has blessed us in every way. He wants us to be happy and to enjoy life. I have a few witnesses to back me up on this.
“… I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” John 10:10b (AMPC)
Those are the words of Jesus.
And here’s more.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
Once again, this is Jesus speaking. He wants us to live a stress-free life with Him.
How about one more confirmation.
“Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in their honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths…” Psalm 149:2-6 (NIV)
Rejoice, be glad, praise with dancing, make music, and sing for joy on their beds. Sounds like a fun life to me.
There are many more Bible verses which confirm God wants His children happy and blessed, but I will refrain from trying to share every one of them in this chapter.
Problems and difficult times come to us all, but as a child of God, there is no need to worry. We can enjoy life because Jesus has done the hard stuff.
Let’s laugh more often. Sing more songs. Dare we cast abandon to the wind and do a little dance?
It’s time to live the free life.