Wednesday, July 9, 2014

31 Days of Joy: Laugh and Have Fun

“We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” 
 ― Anonymous


Laugh and have fun.

When was the last time you had a really good laugh? The absence of laughter is a very serious thing because laughter is God's idea, his special gift to us. In light of the sin, pain and chaos of this world, it's one of the secret weapons we have to keep our joy. A lot of people imagine God like a grumpy old grandpa who wants nothing more than for us to sit silent and still, minding our own business and keeping our hands to ourselves - and that is far from the truth! There is a great misconception that Christians don't have any fun. Many non-believers think that Christians need to feel guilty if they are having fun, and that God's rules are designed to make our lives miserable. However, the Bible tells us that God meant for Christians to have fun in a number of ways. Being a believer means great celebration and joy, both in our lives here on Earth and after. David danced. The Jews celebrated upon their exodus from Egypt. God meant for believers to celebrate and have fun because celebrations lift the spirit. He wants us to have fun so we can see the beauty and true meaning in this beautiful life He gave to us. While God intended us to enjoy life, satan still is looking to destroy us in any way he can. It is important to use wisdom, even when choosing leisure and entertainment. There are some activities that may seem fun, but can have long term consequences. If the "fun" activity involves sin, then it isn't something that God would want us to do. Sin does not need to be a part of an activity to make it fun! God loves us and He doesn't want you to make a fool of yourself or do something you may regret later. "Having fun" does not bring long term happiness, but it does need to be a part of life, ad God knows that so He commands celebration, singing and dancing. He wants us to enjoy our lives her on earth with full joy.

Focus Scriptures:
1 Timothy 6:17
 Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life.

Deuteronomy 16:15
For seven days celebrate the festival to the Lord your God at the place the Lord will choose. For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be
complete.

Proverbs 15:13 
 "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit." 

Joy in Action Today:
Plan a "Fun Day"! Grab your closest friends or your favorite family members and dedicate a day to fun and laughter. The only rule is to have fun!
Examples: Pack a picnic and go to the park for outside fun and games. Grab some board games and
have a game board tournament. Go grocery shopping and come home to cook dinner together.