“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

“Laughter is the best medicine.” We’ve probably all heard that expression. It may be based on the proverb quoted above. I’m not sure. Either way, the expression (and proverb) resonates because (a) we know it to be true from our own experience, and (b) there is something inspiring about connecting the ideas of laughter and healing.

But guess what? This expression is true not only in good times, but in bad times as well.

Sure, very serious things happen which are far from funny. At the same time, laughing at ourselves—and laughing in the face of adversity—helps us through it.

It might not always be possible. But might it be worth a try?

I’m reminded about an extreme example of this. Thomas More was beheaded by King Henry VIII in 1535. Apparently, he tried to keep up his sense of humour right to the very end. This was even after he had been stripped of his titles, endured public humiliation, was forced to live in a jail cell separated from his family, and experienced physical weakness and various illnesses. 

Since More was in such a weakened state he needed help climbing up the steps to the scaffold where he was to be beheaded. “Help me up,” he asked the executioner. “As for coming down, let me handle it myself.”*

Wow. If I was about to be beheaded I’m not sure I would be making jokes with the guy swinging the axe! 

When you go through something difficult, I hope you don’t have to endure it for long. I hope things start to look up. I hope things go well for you and for those around you.

In addition to prayer, trusting God, seeking his wisdom, and getting the right help from godly people, I encourage you to try to laugh. Have fun with some friends. Tell some jokes. Tune in to something funny on TV or online. 

Life is serious. But it doesn’t have to be serious all the time. 

No matter what is happening, God is good, Jesus saves, and there is always hope.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones”

---

Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV. 

–*As in: “The Hidden Life of St. Thomas More” by Kevin Perrotta. Published at https://wau.org/resources/article/the_hidden_life_of_st_thomas_more/ . Accessed on June 25, 2024.