To Laugh at the Days Ahead

The Proverbs 31 Woman does it all. She is wise and industrious, cares for her family, and dons strength and honor like a fashion model. But perhaps the thing I find most admirable about her is that she can “laugh at the days ahead.” 

She looks to the future without anxiety or worry. Indeed, she smiles at what is to come. 

There’s no room for a negative outlook on life when you can find humor in the best and worst times. I can’t help but wonder if a good memory is the real reason this gal can laugh. 

Remembrance is key to looking forward without fear. And it is also a springboard for thanks, which seems particularly fitting, given the approaching holiday.

Looking back over my life, I can only smile at how God so lovingly and patiently knit all things together to work out for my good. Even when that goodness sometimes came cloaked in pain and hurt or a “no” answer when I desperately sought a “yes.” 

It’s funny how hindsight shows Father’s faithfulness in full sight. 

When I remember the surprising ways God answered many of my prayers, I can’t help but chuckle. He consistently hid in plain view, and I still missed Him most days. 

Like the hidden objects I loved to search out as a young girl in the famous Highlights  magazine, when I intentionally look for my Father’s presence, I can’t help but find Him. But because He is ingenious in making Himself known, He often shows up in surprising places and in unique and humorous ways. 

I think my Proverbs 31 mentor had experienced this firsthand, which is why she could look to the days to come and laugh with joy to receive the strength to withstand them. 

She courageously embraced each moment handed to her because of the Father who embraced her. In every moment.

This is where hope and laughter come to life, beloved — Here in knowing that we face the unknown with its Creator. 

So join me in a chuckle as we look at the ridiculousness of this world gone awry and praise the One who sets all things right. Even if they must first be turned upside down with the love of Jesus. 

Father knows what is coming.

Despite persecution or famine or war or disease, He KNOWS. 

And in that knowing, we can rest. 

The earth is the LORD’S, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. – Psalm 24:1

We are the Beloved of Christ, first and foremost.

Nothing is impossible with God. 
He brings beauty from ashes. 
And redemption to the undeserving.
His perfect love casts out all fear.
He makes all things new.

He is with us ALWAYS.

So how can we not tilt our heads back and let joy erupt as we look to the future He has prepared for us? 

It is a future unlike any we have known to date. One that exceeds our wildest imaginings and has only purity and goodness within its gates.

So arm yourself with laughter, dear saint, and let’s run full throttle into the glorious days awaiting. 

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This post was written in conjunction with https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/11/17/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-laugh/ Teaming up with an online group of writers who encourage others to share the words God has given them. The gist is to write for five minutes on a one-word prompt, then post your writing and link up with others who do the same — no overthinking, no deep editing, just free-writing in a short amount of time.