This is part of a series, studying the book of Proverbs during the month of July, 2011. For more details click here.
Theme
We all know at least one person who is consistently happy. No matter when or where you run in to them, or what's up that day, their life is always good. And you know what? Their smile is contagious. They can't help but rub off some of their sunshine on you. You look forward to seeing them, right? I mean, yes, sometimes their happiness might be a bit over the top - who besides the Joker can constantly be smiling like that? But it's OK. They are enjoyable to have as a part of our lives.
We also know that one person who brings the whole room down as soon as they walk in to it. Life is never good enough, and something is always wrong. There's an ailment, a condition, a person wrecking their life - something that they need to be sharing constantly whenever they are around you. You know not to ask how their day is going, because it's going to dampen your day. They are a Debbie (or Danny) Downer.
Laughter benefits the health of our bodies. Studies have shown that 10-15 minutes of laughter burns about 50 calories. When laughing, your blood flows more easily through your body, improving circulation. Plus, laughter is sociable. It's just fun to laugh and enjoy life. Watch this clip here and feel the wonderful effects of laughter.
We all know examples of each type of person. The bigger question, though, is this - which type of person are you? Are you spreading cheer to others, or zapping their strength? Psalm 126:2 states "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the LORD has done for them.'" He's done so much for us, so why would we not share with others, as loudly as possible, how wonderful our Father treats us?
We also know that one person who brings the whole room down as soon as they walk in to it. Life is never good enough, and something is always wrong. There's an ailment, a condition, a person wrecking their life - something that they need to be sharing constantly whenever they are around you. You know not to ask how their day is going, because it's going to dampen your day. They are a Debbie (or Danny) Downer.
Laughter benefits the health of our bodies. Studies have shown that 10-15 minutes of laughter burns about 50 calories. When laughing, your blood flows more easily through your body, improving circulation. Plus, laughter is sociable. It's just fun to laugh and enjoy life. Watch this clip here and feel the wonderful effects of laughter.
We all know examples of each type of person. The bigger question, though, is this - which type of person are you? Are you spreading cheer to others, or zapping their strength? Psalm 126:2 states "We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, 'What amazing things the LORD has done for them.'" He's done so much for us, so why would we not share with others, as loudly as possible, how wonderful our Father treats us?
Key Verses For Me
Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine,but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
Quote
Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand. - Mark Twain
Related Scriptures
Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Prayer
"O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams." - St. Augustine
So what verse(s) stick out to you and why?
I wrote all my thoughts and the computer went berserk and erased everything :-) Pastor Bruce I agree with you thoughts and verse choice. When we come across that person who is always down and a complainer we need to ask ourselves why and realize that there may be things going on in their life that we do not know about and then be a light of encouragement to them. With so much tragedy in life , choosing humor instead of despair is good scriptural advice. Humor generally involves the acceptance of the ups and downs of life and the determination not to take ourselves too seriously. In PS 2:4 the Palmist declares that God Himself sits in the heavens and laughs. What a beautiful picture of our heavenly Father.
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