Prayer and Laughter

There is an interesting story in the book of Genesis about laughter, mentioned 4 times in 4 verses the scriptures draws our attention to this often overlooked expression of joy, particularly among the praying kind.

So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’  Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh.”  Genesis 18:12-15

In a nutshell, Sarah did not believe God and laughed at the prospect of God’s promise.  God responded by asking her why she laughed.  He was pointing out to Abraham and Sarah the truth behind her laughter.   But that’s not the end of the story:

Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.   Genesis 21:1-2

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”  Genesis 21:6

Sarah’s original laughter was borne out of an unbelieving heart.  Her unbelief caused her to laugh in jest at God’s promise.  Reality however was God wanted Sarah to laugh, not in ridicule or insecurity but to enjoy the fulfillment of His promise to her and Abraham.

When was the last time you laughed with God?  Sarah’s laughter came as she received God’s promise to her.  Today choose to hunger and thirst for God's presence.  Take whatever situation you have, present  it to God in faith and watch Him make you laugh.

Blessed are you who hunger now,for you will be satisfied.  Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.  Luke 6:21

Discipleship and BMW

Comments

[Love]

I wanna be like Sarah. I wanna be blessed with God's miracle so that people will know His grace and sovereignty...If it is God's will, may I conceive naturally despite my polycystic ovaries.

[Jim]

cool! i also have a blog about laughter! wohoo!

http://zseraphim.multiply.com/journal/item/7

[Sharon V. Francisco]

Hi, Pastor Joey. I just read your 2 books - the Mystery of the Empty Stomach & the Promise No One Wants. I was enlightened after reading The Promise No one Wants and I told myself, most likely, what's happened/is happening to my life now is God "shaking" off (1)favor of man -- when I was the victim of corporate politics; (2)ungodliness - sins too many to mention; (3)impatience and (4)myself. The story of Joseph is my favorite from the Bible because it gives so much hope. In fact, since I heard the soundtrack and saw the "Dreamer" play way back in high school (20 years ago), it's like the songs were permanently written in my heart & mind. My present situation is by far, my lowest, at least financially and well, career-wise (or the lack of it?). But, just like Paul says, I have learned to be glad & thankful whatever situation I'm in, although I don't think the Lord meant for us to not strive harder, right? But, at this low point, I am willing to be "shaken" and I am looking forward to the BREAKTHROUGHS in store for me. I lent my friend that book of yours so she could also be enlightened.
Also, I have really taken prayer & fasting seriously by extending and doing it regularly. I even read other books by foreign pastors on fasting, for me to get more in-depth explanations on the subject. I refer to it as "P & F", and I admit, initially I wanted to fast for physical/health reasons, to lower my BP. As I spent more time reading God's word and praying while fasting, I have grown to appreciate it and it has made me feel closer to our Father. I do extended P & F now, for health benefits (I pray/petition for total healing of endometriosis, myoma and anxiety) and for me to feel like I'm having a real relationship with the Lord. Praise the Lord for people like you!- SHARON V. FRANCISCO (9am attendee, though sometimes, 11am when I bring someone with me)