There are some things in life that are just funny. We can make plans, organize our schedules, set our alarms, and convince ourselves that we have everything under control. Then one little thing goes wrong, and suddenly our perfectly organized day looks like a three-year-old got hold of it.

Sometimes we simply need to laugh at ourselves.

The Bible reminds us that “A merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). There is something healthy about being able to smile, enjoy life, and not take ourselves quite so seriously. Christians should not be the people who walk around looking like they have been baptized in lemon juice. We have every reason to rejoice because we belong to Christ.

Paul told the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). Notice that Paul did not say, “Rejoice when everything goes your way.” He said, “Rejoice in the Lord.” Our joy is not supposed to depend upon whether the traffic is moving, the coffee is hot, the weather is cooperating, or everybody is doing exactly what we want them to do. Our joy comes from knowing who is in control.

Jesus also said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Christianity is serious business, but that does not mean Christians have to be serious about everything. We can serve God faithfully and still laugh with our families. We can teach the truth and still enjoy a good joke. We can take our faith seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.

So, smile today. Laugh when you make a mistake. Give somebody else a reason to smile. Enjoy the blessings God has placed around you. Life is too short to spend it constantly frustrated over things that will not matter in eternity. We have a Savior who loves us, a God who hears us, a church family to encourage us, and a heaven waiting for us.

That is more than enough reason to smile.

By: Justin Odom