He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – (Job 8:21, NLT)
God will let you laugh again; you’ll raise the roof with shouts of joy. – (Job 8:21, MSG)
He will fill your mouth with laughter; your lips will spill over into cries of delight. – (Job 8:21, VOICE)
I love how God makes His word tangible to me. Yesterday, the verse I had studied and set my heart on, was about rest and relaxing in Him. Both last night and the night prior, I slept nearly eight hours per night! For some, that may sound insignificant or normal, yet for me, it is tremendous. Typically, I am doing well if I get close to six hours on a given night… Now, this morning, the verse speaks of laughter. For the last two evenings, I have been blessed to gather with friends and my love, and simply enjoy each other’s company. The first evening was a game night, filled with much laughter, and last night was a birthday celebration for my best friend that had me laughing so hard that there were tears. This morning, I woke feeling refreshed and full of joy, recalling His goodness and how He provides people in my life to love and enjoy the blessings of how He has made each of us, individually. As Thanksgiving approaches this week, may we each find time to seek Him and receive the gifts of laughter and joy that He provides as loved ones gather together in gratitude.
Despite heaviness,
Trials and life’s pain;
The goodness of God,
Shall always remain.
He will bring laughter,
Fill our hearts with joy;
Give us hope again,
His peace, He’ll employ.
In all things, seek God,
For He’s our safe space;
Dispenser of joy,
And Giver of grace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You fill our mouths with laughter and our hearts with joy. Thank You that despite the heaviness and heartache and struggles that we face, You are near and You remind us that there is so much good. Forgive us for not seeking You in our sorrows or struggles, and teach us to trust You more. Show us how to love those around us in a way that spreads joy and brings laughter to lighten heavy hearts. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we celebrate Your goodness and praise You for the joy and delight that You bring when we need it most. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – James 5:13