Laughter is Good Medicine

If you laugh a lot, when you are older all your wrinkles will be in the right places!

Promises About Turning the Tables on Trouble

Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33


I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.  2 Corinthians 7:4


I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:38-39


The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.  Psalm 9:9

Angry, Bored, or Dull

Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored, or dull.  That was never God's intention.  Maybe boredom and dullness aren't on any list of sins in the Bible, but they will sap your joy if you tolerate them.

Promises About Struggles

When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.  Proverbs 10:25

Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5

God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.  Job 23:10

Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  James 1:2-3

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.   Romans 5:3-5

God's Grace in the Midst of Tough Times

How do we enjoy God's grace in the midst of tough times?  First we have to make a habit of drinking deeply of the grace God promises, every moment.  We have to uncover our soul and let grace soak us to our roots.

Second, we have to keep our sense of humor.  I find it helpful to have a few things up my sleeve for those tougher-than-usual days when the melons are landing on my head.  I have several funny videos that just knock me over.  Photographs of my friends and family always cheer me up.  So does getting out into the fresh air and walking.  Sometimes I read one of my favorite Psalms.

God is all around us, longing to talk to us, to love us, to lift us up.  Make up your own survival kit.  Find things that you know can lift you above the hubbub in your house and in your head.

written by Sheila Walsh