October 1, 2026
According to researchers at the University of Michigan, the average child laughs 150 times a day, while the average adult laughs only 15 times. Candidly speaking, I doubt I make it to 15 on most days.
Maybe I’m watching too much news, or stewing about matters over which I have no control. I’ve always been rather serious-minded, figuring that was a positive trait. However, now well into my seventh decade of life, I’m reconsidering such an outlook.
Such soul-searching led me to a study by Norman Cousins. In his book, The Anatomy of an Illness, the renowned journalist describes being hospitalized with what was described as an incurable disease. A one-in-500 chance of recovery sounded pretty hopeless.
Understanding the effect of negative emotions, he figured the opposite would render positive results. Watching such programs as Marx Brothers films and Candid Camera reruns, he discovered that 10 minutes of laughter provided two hours of pain-free sleep. Amazingly, he was eventually delivered from this dreaded disease, living another 26 years. After the details of his recovery appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine, Cousins received over 3,000 letters from appreciative physicians around the world.
While laughter has also been linked to additional health improvements, such as better heart condition, immune boost, muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced memory, it’s worth noting that these are temporal, physiological benefits. Approaching laughter from a spiritual standpoint provides an even greater perspective.
Sarah, wife of Abraham, is a key example of laughter in Scripture. When told she would bear a son, she laughed. She was 90, after all. This expression of doubt became one of joy once the promised child arrived. His name was Issac, which means “he will laugh.” Accordingly, “Sarah said, ‘God has made laughter for me, everyone who hears will laugh with me’” (Genesis 21:6 NASB).
In the midst of his suffering, Job was told, “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter” (8:21 NASB). “Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting,” sang the Israelites when they returned from Babylonian captivity (Psalm 126:2 NASB).
Although there is no record in Scripture that specifically says Jesus laughed, he clearly used wit, irony, and humor in His teaching. Among the Beatitudes we read, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh” (Luke 6:21 NASB). Whether this means on earth or in heaven, I can’t say. Yet, one thing you can be sure of: “this too shall pass.” As David penned, “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5 NASB).
Laughter may not restore your body the way it did for Norman Cousins, yet it will certainly lighten your heart and strengthen your soul. Add to that the social benefits that come with it, such as people unified, anxiety quenched, conflict diffused, and trust built.
If you’re having a hard time finding something to laugh about, look at a mirror. As Habib Bourguiba, the former Prime Minister of Tunisia, said, “Happy is the person who can laugh at himself. He will never cease to be amused.” It’s been said, “He who laughs, lasts.” Hopefully, for you, that means throughout time and eternity.
___
Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.
Share with others
