This phrase, “the yoke is on you” is when the Joke is about you and leaves you with an egg on your face. Not a very fun place to be in. Isn’t it funny (punny or pun intended) the phrases people use and where the phrases originate? Well, this isn’t where this is going as in ‘egg on your face,’ but it is about laughter and the positive effects it has. And we will also talk about taking the yoke off of you. So hang with me here.
In Ecclesiastes 3:4 the scripture tells us there is a time for laughter. And many times in scripture when you see the word laughter, it is either preceded by or closely followed by the word ‘joy.’
A Good Medicine
We all know how great it feels to have a good laugh. Especially that ROFL (rolling on the floor laugh) where you can’t stop laughing. haha! It is a good release of stress and distraction from the worldly cares and tasks of the day.
Proverbs 17:22 AMP
A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
It Is No Joke
There are actually good health benefits that come from laughing. According to Mayo Clinic, there are several laughter benefits,
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:
- Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
- Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
And in the long term, it can improve your immune system, relieve pain, increase personal satisfaction, and improve your mood.
Groaners – Better Known as Dad Jokes
My team of coaches and trainers I work with know me as the guy who will weave Dad Jokes into what I do. I will start with a real story of me, my kids, or my wife, then tie it into a dad joke to make it more fun and surprising. It’s always good for a few laughs and several groans.
Two of my favorite Dad Jokes:
- Do you know what the difference is between the people of Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
- The people of Dubai do not like the Flintstones, but the people of Abu Dhabi do.
- If you don’t get it, send me an email and I’ll explain. 😁
- The people of Dubai do not like the Flintstones, but the people of Abu Dhabi do.
- Do you know how to tell when a joke becomes a Dad Joke?
- When it becomes apparent (a parent).
So when this world is getting you down, you’re stressed out or overwhelmed with sorrow and/or circumstances, take some time to laugh a little. Or maybe even a lot. Let your burdens be lifted and turn your downtimes into joy with laughter.
Taking Off the Yoke
I’m not just talking about getting the egg off of your face. I am talking about the yoke that has been hanging around your neck and pulling you down. Take it off. Take it off and let Jesus trade you your yoke for His yoke.
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
If you need to laugh a little today, here is something really funny from Tim Hawkins:’
Challenge of the Week
Right at a time when you might have an opportunity to crawl under the circumstances of life this week, find something to laugh about. Tell Jesus you need to take on His yoke, for his yoke is easy and His burden is light. Take time to laugh. Let Jesus bring joy into your life. So be it.
