…Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (Luke 6:21)
We are continuing our study of dealing with the loss of a loved one. In our last study, we saw how important it is to get healing and comfort. Today’s study will deal with the next step-Restoring the joy of the Lord in our lives. Having joy is very important, especially when walking thru this valley of sorrows.
In Luke 6:21, we see that laughter is a part of the joy of the Lord. When our family was trying to comfort my mom, we gathered at our sister’s house. We wanted it to be a time of celebration and joy-my father just graduated and went to heaven! I encouraged my mom to gather with us; it was a wonderful event.
Laughter Brings Healing.
(Note-My family and me. I am at the left with our ministry logo hat. My sister, mom and brother are sitting next to us)
At the gathering, we were determined to remember my father through pleasant and funny memories. My father was a funny guy, and one of the things that he was good at was dancing. At any party gathering, he would call the people’s attention by how he danced. We also remembered many other funny incidents in his life.
The atmosphere in that place had changed, and I saw how laughter began to bring about healing. My mother seemed happy and comforted. I believe that if my father had been present, he would have been happy too. Joy and laughter are powerful tools for the believer.
Many times, I would practice laughing. I remember one time I had pain in my knee. I focused my mind on laughing, and the pain left. Another time, I was visiting some relatives in Florida. While I was riding with my cousin around the area, we ran into some wildfires. This affected my breathing, but I did not panic.
I started to remember funny incidents in my family’s life and shared them with my cousin. We laughed so hard that this helped me get healed from my respiratory ailment. Folks, take some time to laugh. It will relax and assist you in the long run. I have enclosed below some medical information concerning the wonders of laughter. (1)
Release Your Loved One as A Seed.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. ( John 12:24)
This verse above talks about Jesus ( John 12:23-24). He compared himself to a seed. During his death, he was planted, and we see what impact this had made throughout history. The power of a seed is amazing.
A way to deal with the death of a loved one is to offer them up as a seed in the hands of God. As you do this, God will give you a new beginning in life. He is the God of new beginnings. Let’s look at an example–If you lost a child and you plant him as a seed, you will harvest many spiritual children. God will give you the heart of a mother/father, and you will enter an exciting phase of ministry in your life. Death is not the end but the beginning of a doorway for blessings in your life.
An Arena Of Blessings.
Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. (Heb 12:1-Living Bible)
Think about this. You are not alone. If your saved family relative has departed, then they are looking down on your spiritual progress. Picture a big stadium of all your departed loved ones cheering as you run for the Lord. Many athletes have shared that when their home crowd is cheering them on, it motivates them to win.
You have departed loved ones seated in the heavenly stadium. They are looking down at your progress and cheering you on. They are rooting for your success! Remember in the midst of tragedy, you are more than a conqueror. Run to win because Heaven is cheering you on!
Bible verses courtesy of http://www.biblegateway.com
(1) Medical studies on laughter-https://mayocl.in/3OI4XMt
The Christian Corner Ministries 