DOES GOD LAUGH?

Options Ivan Goldschagg January 30 at 10:11am · DOES GOD LAUGH? “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming”. Ps 37:12, 13 NIV Having a sense of humour can often be helpful. It enables you to smile at the odd ways of people and at the silly things they say. Judiciously used it can ease a tense situation, bring a more balanced perspective on problems and enable people to relax. It can also highlight contradictions and inconsistencies. It is true that evil people do plot against the good people of this world. They sometimes exploit them commercially, oppress them in the work situation, and inflict crimes which cause suffering in many different situations. In the modern world these practices often end in court proceedings. Certainly they cause resentment and division. But the poet thinks that God has them so “taped” that He can just laugh at their short-term victories and futile schemes. The idea that God can be so conceived in such human terms is quite common in the Old Testament. Jesus took the whole problem of suffering to a new level. He did not offer any explanation for it. Neither did He come out with elaborate theories. He entered into human suffering in all its forms by dying on the cross, enduring pain and rising in triumph on Easter Day. His approach to suffering and death has brought joy, if not laughter, to countless believers who have no other source of comfort or meaning to which to turn in the darkness of death and anguish. But in place of despair He gave hope. In place of desolation He brought comfort and friendship. That is our greatest need in the face of suffering. PRAYER THOUGHT Lord, help me to be strong and brave when faced by suffering.