David Jeremiah (February-08-2023) Daily Devotional: Twelve Laughs - Turning Point
Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. - Luke 6:21
Recommended Reading: Luke 6:20-23 - THE BEATITUDES - 20 Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “Blessed are you poor,For yours is the kingdom of God.21 Blessed are you who hunger now,For you shall be filled.Blessed are you who weep now,For you shall laugh.22 Blessed are you when men hate you,And when they exclude you,And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,For the Son of Man’s sake.23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!For indeed your reward is great in heaven,For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
When William K. Vanderbilt visited Constantinople, he invited the actor Coquelin the Elder to perform on his yacht. Several days later, Coquelin received a check. Vanderbilt paid him $2,400 “for laughter, twelve times.”
Orison Marden, who told that story in an old book, said, “Laughter begins in the lungs and diaphragm, setting the liver, stomach, and other internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibration, which gives a pleasant sensation and exercise, almost equal to that of horseback riding.”[1]
Most of us worry more than we laugh. But remember, “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). In Luke 6:21, Jesus promised laughter to the weeping. We’ll enjoy many good laughs in the cheerfulness of heaven, but don’t wait until then. Cultivate a merry heart now. Instead of focusing on what might be, focus on what will be.
Keep your mind regulated by the reality of God’s eternity. When we focus on life eternal, we diminish the worry of temporal things. Cheerfulness is knowing God has us today, and He also has tomorrow under His perfect control.
Mirth is God’s medicine. Everybody out to bathe in it. Grim care…anxiety, all this rust of life ought to be scoured off by the oil of mirth. - Henry Ward Beecher
