Laughter

“And Sarah said, ‘God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me’ ” Genesis 21:6 NKJV.

Nothing lifts the spirits like laughter. When I was a young girl, I was told it’s the best medicine for whatever ails you. Along those lines, I do believe it’s good for the heart and soul. Comedians have made it their life’s work. People pay good money to laugh at their jokes and stories. After all, who doesn’t love a good laugh? Mark Twain said, “Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.” I’ve seen children laugh until they collapsed, and even that was funny. Subsequently, they laughed all the more. Being able to laugh at yourself shows character, but laughing with others about yourself is unique. It displays humility. And, couldn’t we all use a little more humility?

I suspect Sarah didn’t laugh much, that is, through the years of barrenness. She was too busy struggling with infertility issues, and that’s no laughing matter. Thoughts of a baby plagued her. For those who conceive easily, that’s a gift within itself. Others who have endured an empty womb with its financial burdens know a different story. Some have access to specialists, and, although costly, if treatment works, it’s money well-spent. Sarah had to trust God alone. That was all she had, besides Abraham, who loved her unconditionally.

Nonetheless, God’s plan had not changed. His promise was not forgotten. After twenty-five years of barrenness, Sarah delivered an heir for Abraham. At long last, Sarah could laugh. I know she did so through tears. All the self-condemnation, all the tongue-wagging, all the bitterness and longing were satisfied the moment she held him. She named him Isaac, which means “laughter.” Tiny Isaac brought laughter into their life when Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 100. I’m sure she was a doting mother, carefully attending all his needs. I’ll bet she watched him sleep and prayed fervently over his life. Isaac grew up to be a man of prayer. I dare say it began here. Sarah was at long last satisfied.

God had not taken anything from Sarah. Instead, He had given her the best gift of all – a son. With Isaac’s birth, her heart was satisfied, and Abraham had an heir – the child God promised. Moreover, she was a player in God’s creation story.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, come and fill us with peace and laughter. Undergird us with the strength of your Word, give us joy, and deliver us from self-condemnation. No matter our troubles, your banner over us is love. We have your guarantee that no weapon the enemy has formed against us will prevail. Lord, if you are for us, who can stand against us? Thank you, Jesus! Amen.