When I asked our online sisters what they praise God for most of all, Nicole’s comment took me by surprise: “I absolutely love His sense of humor.”
She’s not the only one.
Kathleen says, “I know I’ve given Him a chuckle or two over the years,” and April reminds us, “We humans are capable of some pretty silly antics.”
No kidding.
So, does God actually laugh out loud? His Word tells us, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs” (Psalm 2:4 ). Sounds promising, until we read the rest of the verse: “the Lord scoffs at them.” Specifically, He laughs at earthly rulers who stand against Him and His anointed.
Naturally, God doesn’t find disobedience funny at all, so His derisive laughter here is meant to humble. Though the Hebrew word sachaq usually means “laughter, merrymaking, rejoicing,” it also can be translated “mocking, scorning.” A snicker. A harrumph. A snort.
Ah, but when God laughs over the people He loves, the sound is as gentle as His embrace. We may not hear His laughter, but we can sense His pleasure. We won’t find LOL in his Word, but we do find the promise, “so will your God rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:5).
Even if we don’t see anything funny about a situation, God does.
As a little kid, I was famous for stamping my foot whenever I threw a full-blown tempter tantrum. My older siblings seldom hid their amusement. “Don’t laugh at me!” I would fume, looking and sounding even more ridiculous. My brother Tom invariably found a way to make me giggle, then gave me a hug to ease my embarrassment.
God handles us in much the same way, helping us see how truly foolish we are, even as He shows us the depth of His love, compassion, and forgiveness.
How can we be certain God has a sense of humor?
- We are made in His image, so surely laughter began with Him.
- God promises, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter…” (Job 8:21).
- He uses humor in our lives in dozens of beneficial ways.
By His design, laughter dissolves stress, relieves anger, eases disappointment, lowers blood pressure, mends relationships. And that’s just the short list.
Ask medical professionals, and they’ll tell you: when a patient begins to regain her sense of humor, it’s a sign of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing at work. Just as God’s Word tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).
My friend Elizabeth Jeffries is fond of saying, “God makes me laugh,” and Marci “loves His comic timing.” When He answers our prayers in unexpected and creative ways, when He makes a way where there was no way, we can’t help but smile and shake our heads in amusement. And amazement.
Heavenly Father, thank you for helping us laugh at ourselves and our world. Show us how to find joy—not in spite of our circumstances, but in the midst of them. When it’s “time to laugh” (Ecclesiastes 3:4), give us the courage to make a joyful noise, knowing You’re not laughing at us: You’re laughing with us.
Can’t wait to hear what the Lord’s sense of humor means to you! Please take a second to share your thoughts below.
One of my goals this summer is to respond to as many of your comments as possible. (Forgive me for being rather hit-and-miss at that.) Plus, I want to post my blog every Wednesday, not just some Wednesdays. Or Thursdays. Thanks for your patience as I seek new ways to encourage you!
Your grateful sister, Liz,
@LizCurtisHiggs
Liz,
Talk about God’s timing . I was JUST asking Him if he laughed at us and/or with us! He is too funny. I also asked Him if He was sarcastic. Cuz I was feeling like there might have been a little sarcasm in Job. But I don’t always get it right.
I’m so glad that God’s gives us the ability to laugh at ourselves. Otherwise, we would be forever mournful over our failures. Just as He forgives us, we learn to forgive ourselves as we laugh about our insufficiencies.
Oh, I am 100% certain that God has a sense of humor! I just know that when I am laughing at the (always comical) chaos that swirls around me, He is standing right there, laughing right along with me and holding my hand. He helps me see and appreciate his awesome plans in everything that happens!
Love the reminder that the Lord rejoices over me. I can be down on myself at times. In those times I need to look up and remember that God’s smile and gentle laughter surround me. His humor does lift my spirit and see things in a better light!! Can’t wait to read your new book.
Thanks once again for a timely message♥
I don’t think it’s possible to have a relationship without laughter! And what pleases God most is being in relationship with us. I’m expecting heaven to be a place of great laughter!
I can’t tell you how many times something has happened and I’ve said what an amazing sense of humor God has. It’s in these subtle instances that I realize he not only cries with me but laughs with me as well.
This was my Facebook status update this morning!
“I love walking with God in the cool of the day. What a sense of humor He has. This year I decided to plant just 3 tomato plants and the rest flowers in my raised garden beds. Instead, I have 3 flowers, 7 tomato plants, 8 squash, and several pepper plants. I guess He wants me to continue to share veggies with my neighbors, maybe even the nasty one that put up that offensive fence.
When I got to work and saw your Wednesday post about God’s humor, I just had to share!
I can remember pointing up to the sky and laughing, You did it again, I love you so much God, thanks for the joy of laughing with you.
Ann
Thanks Liz for such an uplifting topic. He surely does have a sense of humor. He’s given me what I like to call, “Holy Chuckles.” These are times when He’s interrupted my thoughts, complaints, and grumbling to show how silly I am being by highlighting the offenses done to me when my offense before Him is bigger just by my complaining. I found myself at one time just chuckling, hence the reason I call it “holy chuckles”, when He pointed this out to me ina situation I was going through and He did it in such a gentle loving and caring way. Oh yes, I’ve had plenty of holy spankings but some corrections surely have had joyous humor in it and yet it does bring about a much needed change in me. I just love Him. He knows perfectly well what we need and when we need it.
I have always jokinly said that God HAS to have a sense of humor, because he made us! 😉
I can also relate to your comment about family members using humor to defuse a situation or make us feel better. That is my husband to a capital H! I’m still prone to outbursts, grumpiness, or just plain “I need my caffiene and I need it NOW!” Days. Hubby will find a way to make me laugh, and poof, my mood changes. I am so blessed.
Thank you for this post. Once again the Lord has validated why I am at this place in my life (even though He doesn’t have to!)
Yes – I have said for years that God has a sense of humor. Thank you for agreeing with me! Thank you Liz for all your writings. This is on that really hits ‘home’ for me.
Love you Sister 😎
Just last night, my husband and I had a conversation about God’s sense of humor. My son’s pup was chasing his tail and lost his balance. If you’ve never seen a seventy pound puppy lose his balance, you wont understand. My husband said “I’ve often wondered if God gave dogs tails because of His sense of humor”. I replied that we are made in His image so He must have one. My oh so thoughtful hubby came back with “There are a lot of things we have/do God hates”. I attribute that to the free will God gave us but it doesn’t change the fact that yes, He does have a sense of humor. Thanks Liz.
Amen! Great post, Liz! God makes me laugh and smile and it’s a sincere laugh/smile. I used to have a “people pleasing fake laugh”, and it feels so good to know the love of God and have a sincere laugh. It’s like medicine to the soul, and since we were made in God’s image, I think He laughs too. 😀
Yesterday evening we (my husband and I) met one of the most inspiring people in the world. He was a homeless looking man. As we handed him a small bag that included bottled water, food from Jason’s deli, a pair of socks and a devotional~ he handed us a Gospel tract of the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was holding a stack of them. His eyes lit up with joy while we talked to him and our hearts and eyes were lighting up with love and joy. He said this is his mission to travel and share the Good News. We said “Praise God!!!”. His shirt said “Jesus 1”. As we drove home, I wondered if this man would have a castle or huge mansion in heaven~ yet he probably wouldn’t even want it. He would be so satisfied I’m sure just being with Jesus, and praising God. I have a big smile on my face and in my heart today, because he reminded us not to live in the world or love the world, but to live for the Kingdom of God.
Good morning, Lizzie!
LOVE this….so sweet and reassuring. I’ve said ever since this only child was blessed with THREE boys, that’s proof enough that God has a sense of humor! Not to mention the fact I’m married to the most adventurous husband while I stay the risk adverse bookworm! God is so good & gracious & helps us laugh at ourselves and circumstances.
Thanks for another great post as always. Can’t wait for Sheba’s release!
See you soon!
Love,
Elizabeth
First learned of His humor as a young Christian. A bunch of us girls from a summer Navs group were working together detassling corn. it was hot and fast and we were sitting around at lunch saying how nice it would be if it rained that afternoon and cooled things off. Just about 3 we had a short shower – just enough to get wet. We all laughed at His answer to our moaning and groaning. never doubted His humor since
My husband and I had been married a year when he lost his job due to layoffs. We lived on my part-time income for six months (we refer to this as our Top Ramen Period ☺). Then he got a call from someone telling him about an opening at a nearby Sprint data center. He applied, interviewed, and then nothing happened. Six weeks later he prayed, “God, please let there be something from Sprint in the mail today.” He opened the mailbox and pulled out a postcard inviting us to choose Sprint as our long-distance! I suggested next time he should be a little more specific, and we laughed for a long time. His offer letter arrived a few days later, but it was that postcard that reminded us of God’s presence and love.
Platypus … GOD’s sense of humor!
Ok that is just 1 example to me. I think there is a lot of little things that we as humans in our small minds think, really? And GOD laughs at us!
I agree, we can exhibit only things that are found in Him, and Laughter is so wonderful, I think we get closer to GOD in those moments of pure gut-splitting, roll about, head tossed back, laughter. Pure Joy of the Lord!
His Laughter means we get to taste the Goodness of God here, and will get full cups, buckets, pools, oceans once with Him! Praise GOD!!!
What a lovely, timely reminder, Liz, about God’s blessing of humor. I was raised in a serious home where humor was not often allowed or appreciated. And in this world that has incredibly heart-wrenching things going on, sometimes I forget that humor IS allowed. Even appropriate and encouraged. So true, it has wonderful benefits to the heart, spirit, and mind. Getting bogged down in the heartbreak doesn’t make one any better at changing it. But humor can.
And please tell us–did you arrange the traffic-cone-on-the-statue photo, or just come across it? It is fabulous! Thanks for gifting us with your humor and wisdom. Blessings to you.
Liz, I think He does laugh. Wouldn’t you laugh at some of the stuff, us humans say and do. REALLY ????? By the way LOVE YOUR BOOKS !!!! Fondly, Pat : )
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been able to make people laugh. I consider it one of the sweetest things God has ever done for me. His wonderful sense of humor is everywhere you look, even in the darkest of places. You helped me see how important humor is when you graciously used a couple of my stories for two of your early books. And now, years later, I have a ministry based on humor. I’m afraid I stole something from you, though, Liz. I make ’em laugh and then I zing ’em with a holy truth. I thank God for His humor and your influence on my life.
Dear Liz,
Thank You for all the laughter you shared yesterday at Gull Lake Ladies days. Your Ministry of God’s Word and Laughter are so awesome. God uses you through laughter so we Know He has a sense of humor.
My mom first introduced me to God’s humor over 45 years ago. She told me stories about how God made her laugh. Then as the years went by I too began to see God’s humor. I would see things He would do just for me to make me laugh. I think God delights in making us laugh. One of the funniest things I laugh (with God) at is when I have the skinniest little pieces of soap left and it slips out of my hand, God lets it land on it’s tiny thin sliver of a side! This has happened in the shower several times, and then most recently at my sink where the tiny sliver of soap fell on it’s side on the tiny edge of the sink! I was very delighted and even took several photos with my cell phone at all angles of it! It actually fell on the tiny thin corner of the soap which was even more amazing! Many may not think this funny…but I love sharing this ‘inside joke’ with my Great and Wonderful and humorous God! 🙂 Thanks for the post Liz. Always love hearing from you – be it on a Wednesday or Thursday! 🙂
I think every so often He nudges an angel in the ribs and says,”Did you see that! She’s my kid!” and smiles. Yeah, I think He laughs and smiles and weeps, all the things I do with my kids. I believe I look more and more like my Abba every year…thanks to Him. Can hardly wait to have my Father-daughter dance with Him; what great fun it will be to be twirled over the blue night sky sprinkled with stars.
I am learning , sometimes slowly, about God’s Fatherly love for me. I had a tumultous relationship with my earthly Father. At 44 years old I’m finally starting to get over blaming my Dad for things, forgive him (he passed away about 4 years ago), and take responsibility for knowing my Heavenly Father is perfect and getting to know Him (rather than associate Him with shortcomings of my earthly Dad).
Thank you for the image of dancing with my Heavenly Father at a Heavenly Father /daughter dance! Such a sweet thing to picture and anticipate! In fact,years ago, God had given me a beautiful image of dancing before him as a little girl in a field of wildflowers twirling streamers, and being restored to innocence by Him. This vision was at a prayer service at church.
God bless you! 😀
I’ve always said lightning bugs are PROOF of God’s sense of humor!!
My husband and I say all the time that God has to have a great sense of humor because he brought us together.
Yes! God is humorous
Each day a butterfly drops so close to my car windshield always bringing me a smile Life is pure mystery and truth
Laugh and see Gods Joy!
A few years ago things were not going well at work. As I walked toward the building in the dark one morning, I prayed things would go better today. I saw a light on in a window of a coworker who was difficult to work with.I thought she was off today, but was obviously wrong. I said out loud, ” God , if I had a big rock I would heave it through that window. ”
I could not believe I even thought that, let alone said it.
As I approached the building , I passed a neighboring driveway that had been landscaped the night before. When I saw the big rocks all around the end of the driveway, I laughed and said ” Funny God, real funny ” .
I decided it was time to transfer to a new location , and it worked out great for me. No rocks were thrown .
I have always said God has a sense of humour and often think He had to have when He has to listen to me.
Liz,
God has got to laugh out loud at the things children say and do! I remember things my son did as a child (he’s 23 now) that are so funny. When we lived in Georgia our driveway was a slight hill, and my 5 year-old son would put his skates on at the bottom of the hill and then crawl up the driveway on his hands and knees! I looked out the window in time to see this and was laughing myself!
Oh yes, I believe God has a sense of humor. Just look at the design of the giraffe, the stripes on a zebra, and of course, that funny looking ostrich. I bet He giggled all the time he created these and other creatures. Great topic for a post. Thank you!
Just read your blog for the first, but not the last time. I remember hearing you speak many years ago & how much I laughed & larned from you! Laughter has helped me get through many difficult times & at 70, it still does. Thank you for sharing yourself & the gifts that God has given you to draw us closer to the One who loves us the most & puts joy in our hearts. Many blessings.
Liz,
I accidentally typed your name Liz Curtis Huggs and I thought – you know, that’s really what her name should be!! Because when I read your writing it truly is like getting a hug from you.
Thank you!!
When Jesus wanted the children brought to him after the disciples scoffed and found them bothersome, I believe that tells us that Jesus and the Father love laughter.
If one thing makes up a child it’s laughter. Innocence, silliness, and carefree laughter.
When I hear my grandsons’ laughter my heart melts with love and happiness I have to believe it’s the same with my Father in heaven. And isn’t that what the Father wants for us, to be happy.
I just read your Facebook post today about wisdom and just wanted to tell you that I love you. I love all that I know about you. Everything I read that you write resonates in my innermost and I love that even that makes me laugh out loud and sometimes weep at my lack of self discipline in my daily time with Jesus. Thank you Liz for being so real and so transparent and so wonderfully entertaining as you speak life and truth to all of us!!
Blessings my friend
So here is a FABULOUS story of God’s humor: 17 years ago when my husband was addicted to drugs, he would steal things and return them for cash to buy his drugs. The last time he stole anything it was a cheap box of plastic glasses that he had stashed a very expensive tool inside the box to smuggle it out of the store. Well he was caught on camera & arrested. Thank God! That was the beginning of his new life in Christ. The funny part is exactly one sober year later, we were at a dinner party with my sister and she hands him a box of those same plastic glasses & asks him to put hem out on the table. You should’ve seen his face! He was horrified and then laughed out loud because who else but God would know what those glasses meant to him! God DOES have a funny sense of humor!
I’d add herons to the list of evidence that God has a sense of humor.
I’ve felt for years that God keeps me around for comic relief, and do you know how blessed that makes me feel? Making my Abba laugh is one of the things that makes my heart sing. He brought me out of the darkness with his gentle love, and as a thank you celebration we laugh together often.
I am so thankful for this timely reminder that God must have a sense of humor and laughs. I am such a perfectionist and tend to be too serious at times. Thanks for the reminder that it is okay to laugh.
I used to think of God so seriously until I was sitting next to my future husband in church one Sunday when we were dating, and out of the blue I felt like the Lord was elbowing me in the ribs and I got the thought in my head, “he’s a gift you know”. I had to laugh and it was true, is true still. My husband and I laughed when we first met and still laugh all the time.
God is continuing to teach me joy. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.
Thank you for your wonderful encouraging posts. I’m only a week late in commenting. Ahhh. Well anyway, I definitely think God has a sense of humor in that he made us and we are quite quirky. We are made in his image so it would follow that he does. My moments are when someone is telling a story of something that happened to them (God’s amazing answer to a big or little situation) and I just get a big smile on my face. You just know it was God not anything or anybody but Gid answering that on that situation.
I was at Gull Lake Ladies Days this past Friday with my cousins, mother and aunts and loved hearing you speak with such joy and enthusiasm for the Lord and for life. You made me laugh and made me cry (a good cry).
and….
If you want to know how to make God laugh…….just tell Him YOUR plans!
God bless and keep on laughing
Hey Liz,
I think God has a sense of humor and have often said so when I as an adult find skin breakouts and gray hair at the same time..
I read a book once and it had a chapter about a woman who passed away and when she got to God, she says her mind was asking questions so fast she was trying to think of which one to ask first. The next line has lived with me forever. “God laughed.”
It was like a new brighter light went on in my house. My house had never been this bright. I had never thought of that. Couldn’t believe that God would laugh.
I went to a “Christian” bookstore so I could share the book with everyone I knew and the woman stuck her nose in the air and said the they don’t sell “new age” stuff. I went somewhere else and bought 15 of the books and gave them to everyone, including Pastors. Some of them gave it to families who were grieving and it helped them.
New age or not it helped people to see God and Heaven in a different light and has helped me to think of God happier with us than the mean, vindictive God I was raised with.
Hi Liz! I love how you encourage us to see God’s character traits in ourselves. I’m a pollyanna – I try to find the silver lining in every possible situation. God never fails to help me do this. Sometimes, it’s simply by shining a light on how very ridiculous my own reaction is. And, other times, it’s by filling my mouth with laughter over the absurdity of a situation. This post was such a specific encouragement to me as I keep seeking how to fit my humor around my desire to share Christ’s love in my writing. Thank you!