October 25, 2026
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
When was the last time you had a good, hearty laugh? Not just a smile or a polite chuckle, but the kind of laughter that comes from deep within, the kind that makes your eyes water, your stomach hurt, and for a few moments causes you to forget whatever was troubling you.
Have you ever noticed how much better you sometimes feel after a good laugh?
There is something refreshing about laughter. It can lighten a heavy moment, ease tension, bring people together, and remind us that even in the midst of life’s challenges, there are still reasons to smile. But what happens when life stops being humorous? What happens when the disappointments, losses, responsibilities, and uncertainties of life become so overwhelming that laughter seems to disappear?
As a registered nurse, I have witnessed the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. I have seen how illness can affect a person’s emotional state and how prolonged stress, anxiety, and discouragement can influence physical health. Our physical and emotional well-being are interconnected.
Interestingly, medical research provides some insight into the benefits of laughter. A 2023 analysis of eight studies involving 315 adults found that laughter interventions were associated with approximately a 32% reduction in cortisol levels compared with control conditions. Cortisol is a hormone involved in the body’s response to stress.
Another study conducted by researchers at Oxford University found that watching just 15 minutes of comedy with others increased participants’ pain thresholds by approximately 10%.
Interesting! Something as simple as laughter can influence how our bodies respond to stress and discomfort! Of course, laughter is not a cure for every illness, nor can we simply laugh away our grief, depression, or emotional wounds. But these findings remind us that our physical and emotional well-being are connected. And long before researchers began studying the physiological effects of
laughter, the Word of God declared: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
Perhaps the question is not simply, “When was the last time I laughed?” but also, “What has been happening within my heart that may be robbing me of the JOY God wants me to experience?”
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN LAUGHTER, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND WHOLENESS
- PHYSICALLY – A Merry Heart Does Good Like Medicine. Laughter can provide a welcome release from tension and stress. It may help us relax, improve our mood, and experience temporary relief from the pressures of life. Conversely, prolonged stress and discouragement can affect our sleep, energy, and overall physical well-being. However, laughter is not a cure for every illness, nor does sickness indicate a lack of joy or faith. God created us as whole persons, and caring for our physical well-being includes recognizing the importance of emotional rest, healthy relationships, appropriate medical care, and moments of joy.
- EMOTIONALLY – Joy Can Exist Even in the Midst of Sorrow. Psalm 30:5 reminds us that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” There are seasons when life gives us more reasons to cry than to laugh. Grief, rejection, betrayal, disappointment, and emotional pain can leave deep wounds. Sometimes we become so accustomed to carrying sorrow that we forget what it feels like to experience genuine happiness. But healing does not require us to pretend that the pain never happened. Sometimes one of the beautiful signs of healing is discovering that we can laugh again without feeling guilty about what once made us cry. The return of laughter may be one expression of renewed hope. Yet even when laughter has not returned, God can still be at work within our hearts.
- RELATIONALLY – Encouragement Can Lift a Heavy Heart. Proverbs 12:25 tells us: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” What a powerful reminder of the ministry of encouragement! Have you ever been discouraged, and someone called at just the right moment? Perhaps they shared a kind word, prayed with you, or said something that made you laugh. Your circumstances may not have changed, but something within you began to feel lighter. We sometimes underestimate the power of our words and our presence. A smile, a thoughtful gesture, a shared laugh, or a word of encouragement may be exactly what someone needs to keep moving forward.
First Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us to encourage and build up one another. We may not be able to remove someone’s burden, but we can help them remember they do not have to carry it alone.
4. SPIRITUALLY ~ The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength. Nehemiah 8:10 declares: “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Here is where we discover the difference between temporary happiness and enduring spiritual joy. Happiness is often influenced by what happens around us. Biblical joy is rooted in the One who remains faithful regardless of what happens around us. In Philippians 4:4, Paul writes: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice.” Paul understood suffering, opposition, and hardship. Yet he encouraged believers to rejoice, not because suffering was pleasant, but because their hope was anchored in Christ.
We do not have to deny our pain to experience God’s joy.
We can acknowledge our sorrow while trusting His promises. We can grieve while holding on to hope. We can experience difficult days while believing that God is still working within us.
Laughter may not change what is happening around us, but JOY rooted in God can change how we respond to what is happening within us.
HEALING FROM WITHIN ~ WHEN JOY BEGINS TO RISE AGAIN! Healing From Within is not about pretending the pain never happened. It is about allowing God to address what has happened within you as a result of what you have experienced.
Sometimes the circumstances surrounding us remain unchanged, but through God’s grace, our hearts begin to change. Discouragement no longer has the final word. HOPE begins to rise. PEACE begins to return, and we find STRENGTH to face another day.
And sometimes, we discover that we can laugh again!
Not because we have forgotten our losses
Not because every problem has been resolved
Not because life has suddenly become easy
But because we are discovering that sorrow does not have to be the only emotion our hearts are allowed to experience!
Remember Sarah’s words in Genesis 21:6, “God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.” After years of waiting, Sarah witnessed the fulfillment of God’s promise. Her laughter became an expression of wonder and joy.
Perhaps you are in a season when laughter seems far away. Perhaps discouragement has weighed heavily upon your heart. Be encouraged! God has not forgotten you. You may not be able to change everything happening around you, but you can invite Him to continue His transforming work within you.
Laughter can bring relief to the moment, but the JOY of the Lord can provide strength for the journey!
HEART CHECK: Ask Yourself
- Have I allowed discouragement or the pressures of life to overshadow the blessings I can still recognize?
- When was the last time I experienced genuine laughter or shared a joyful moment with someone?
- Am I depending entirely upon my circumstances for happiness, or am I cultivating joy through my relationship with God?
- Is there someone in my life who needs a word of encouragement today?
HEART CHALLENGE: This week, intentionally make room for JOY! Reflect upon God’s faithfulness, spend time with people who encourage you, and allow yourself to enjoy moments of laughter without guilt.
Reach out to someone who may be discouraged. Offer a kind word, share an encouraging Scripture, or simply be present.
Remember, you do not have to wait until everything in your life is perfect to experience a moment of JOY.
STANDING ORDERS: The Master Physician’s Prescription For Your Life.
God’s Word is the prescription;
Our Obedience is the administration.
We must take a daily dose, never skip doses, and administer consistently!
ORDER #1: GUARD YOUR HEART AGAINST DISCOURAGEMENT. Recognize when discouragement is weighing heavily upon your heart. Bring your concerns before God and seek appropriate support rather than suffering in silence.“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23.
ORDER #2: CULTIVATE THE JOY OF THE LORD. Spend time in God’s presence, meditate upon His promises, and remember His faithfulness. “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
ORDER #3: BECOME A SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT. Be intentional about speaking words that strengthen, comfort, and encourage others. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
ORDER #4: MAKE ROOM FOR LAUGHTER AND GRATITUDE. Appreciate the small moments of joy God allows you to experience. Give thanks for His goodness, even in challenging seasons. “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.” Proverbs 15:13.
ORDER #5: HOLD ON TO HOPE. Remember that your present circumstances do not determine the limits of God’s ability to strengthen, restore, and sustain you. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
Laughter is Good Medicine, but JOY is our strength! The Connection Between a Merry Heart, Encouragement, and Wholeness!
LET’S 
PRAY: Father God, thank You for Your authoritative, inerrant, and inspired Word! Thank You for being the source of our joy, peace, strength, and hope. You know the burdens we carry, the disappointments we have experienced, and the quiet places within our hearts where discouragement sometimes settles.
Lord, help us to recognize Your goodness even during difficult seasons. Restore our hope where it has diminished, strengthen us where we have grown weary, and remind us that joy is still possible even when life is painful. Teach us to encourage one another, to appreciate the gift of laughter, and to find our lasting strength in You.
Continue Your healing work within our hearts so that we may move forward with peace, joy, and grace, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
REFERENCES: Logos Bible Study, WORDsearch, Life Application Series, Various Commentaries, and Study Bibles.