A group of villagers gathered around a massive rig in rural Uganda to watch as a well was being dug on their behalf. Twelve hours later, when the drilling machine struck water, the men, women, and children danced, laughed, and voiced their thanks to God for having a clean water source for the first time in their lives.
Thirty Ugandan women and children, many carrying Jerry cans (water jugs) on their heads, came together in front of the well for a picture. Just as I was about to snap the photo, a small bird flew over us. When the children saw it, they squealed with delight and darted out of the picture and into a cornfield to chase their feathered friend.
Seconds later they triumphantly returned with the little bird safely in hand.
It is moments of surprise, such as the laughter and glee that arise from a simple thing like chasing a bird, that cause me to fall in love with Africa again and again. For in those times, I find myself in a living picture of Psalm 126: “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” And the “nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done’ ” (Psalm 126:2).
I marvel as the Ugandans, who have little but still recognize God as a loving and faithful provider, dance and proclaim in essence: “Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!” (Psalm 126:3).
Like the exiles He brought back to Jerusalem (Psalm 126:1), God longs to restore our hearts, our minds, and our lives. He hears us and responds when we cry out, “Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert” (Psalm 126:4).
As I watched the water pour from the new well and heard the joy-filled voices, I thanked God that He continues to bring laughter and refreshment to our parched places.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jeremiah 36:1-32
More:
Read Psalm 147:3 and consider how God cares for those who turn to Him.
Next:
How do joy and laughter reveal the heart of God? What good things has He provided recently that you can thank and praise Him for today?
Gary Shultz on May 25, 2016 at 5:37 am
Roxanne, I’m with you, I think God loves the pure laughter of the basic things of life. Many times I hear reflected that by some we Americans are the poor ones. We have so entrenched ourselves, in more, and technology we can’t even see or appreciate the simple, continual blessings, living in this world. I have often stopped to think that many if not most of our whining is about something that’s broken, something we want, stuff, stuff, stuff. I know their are those that have legitimate needs and problems; however, we invent a lot of them. As I have heard Africans pray for us, I think we need it; to who much is given, much will be required. Thanks for a good kick in the pants Roxanne.
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 7:59 am
So true, Gary. Mostly “whining” going on here. We have fatness of the land but leanness of the soul.
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 7:55 am
Sweet story, Roxanne. It resonates with me so much as I recall those very same feelings from my time in Kenya. Beautiful people. The Christians there were also full of joy and laughter…thankful, even jubilant, over the simplest of things. They smiled and laughed a lot. I marveled as to how, in the midst of such poverty, could their view of God be so right. They knew how to rejoice over the smallest provision. They were happy in Jesus. Your “Next” question is such a good one, Roxanne…joy and laughter really do reveal God’s heart, don’t they? When I think about how good, faithful, kind, generous, merciful, gracious (and on and on) He is, what joy bubbles up in my soul. And how awesome of Him to create in us a way to release and express this bubble of joy: laughter! Just as your Ugandan friends’ joy and laughter drew you in and made you fall in love with Africa all over again, such should be the case for God’s children. Our joy in the Lord (and laughter) should draw others to Christ—to His heart and love and sacrifice and gift of salvation. This world needs more smiles and laughter. As children of God we have a reason for joy now and for the future. Our “harvest-time” is coming. We can start celebrating now, can’t we? You inspire me, Roxanne. Thank you for sharing His story in you. 🙂
godlove on May 25, 2016 at 11:23 am
Yes, Roxanne, the Lord has indeed done amazing things for me! What joy! Just recently He brought me great joy in the form of an unexpected gift He granted me (long story). This is such a timely devotional for me as my heart is still filled with joy, even as I type. Right now I’m in “full-hearted praise and thanksgiving to God” mode for His love and for this special favour He has shown me. By the way, I love that picture, it brought back nice memories of my childhood days. May the Lord’s name be praised!!!
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 11:30 am
Rejoicing with you over your “unexpected gift”, dear brother!!!
godlove on May 25, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Thank you so much, my dear sister. The Lord is good all the time, He does amazing things even when we least expect it! I know I have done nothing to deserve it, but His Grace abounds and so I am all the more grateful. My heart is full of joy and thanksgiving!
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 1:42 pm
If you’re like me, godlove, these unexpected blessings cause me to delight over Him, the Giver, more than the gift itself. My joy is found in His grace—that He would pour such favor towards me even beyond the Cross. From the fullness of His grace we have indeed all received one blessing after another! 🙂
godlove on May 25, 2016 at 4:13 pm
Indeed, gagirl, from the fullness of His grace, I have been blessed so richly. I’m in complete awe at His love for me! I have been asking myself a lot over these past days “But WHY is He so good to me?” I am very conscious of the fact that I have not done anything to deserve it more than anyone else, and yet He did it for me. In fact, it’s almost as if I have been given extra evidence (as if I needed one) of His love for me, that thought alone makes my heart fill with songs of praise. ALL Glory be given to His Mighty Name!
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 4:25 pm
Glory to God! You and I are having our own little Praise-fest here, godlove! Wish you could see the smile on my face as I read your joyful words! And look how He has punctuated what He’s done for you by today’s timely devotional. Wow! No one else could have orchestrated that! His love and grace is so humbling. Enjoy Him…and the gift, brother!
godlove on May 25, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Wow! Thank you dear sister. I think right now I’m every bit as joyful as the children who chased the bird in Roxanne’s story. And it’s also great that you can see my joy transpiring through my words. (Too bad my last post got cut-off, hope you were able to read it all before it was truncated. )
hsnpoor on May 25, 2016 at 7:48 pm
I wish I understood the reason behind the truncated comments. I was enjoying the “praise fest” going on between the two of you! When our comments are truncated like that, it almost feels like somebody telling us to “shut up”! It’s rude, like somebody cutting you off in mid-sentence. Me no like.
gagirllive on May 25, 2016 at 8:48 pm
Haha! My sentiments exactly, hsnpoor! Although I must confess, I probably do need to be told that. I’m sure I post too many comments. 🙂
godlove on May 26, 2016 at 10:40 am
I know what you mean, hsnpoor. Since I usually type from the heart, with my thoughts and feelings of the moment, it’s almost impossible for me to remember and re-type what got cut out. That’s technology for you! gagirl, the Comment Guidelines (below) don’t define any daily limit as to number of comments one may post per day 🙂
gagirllive on May 26, 2016 at 11:02 am
Thank you, godlove. Now I don’t feel so rebuked! LOL
Tom Felten on May 27, 2016 at 9:42 am
So sorry that the comments were being truncated today . . . we have fixed this technical glitch! Thanks for your patience.
gagirllive on May 27, 2016 at 9:51 am
Thanks, Tom! Good to know we were not being rebuked! 🙂
tccarr on August 28, 2016 at 9:19 am
On May 24th, my wife and I set ourselves on a beautiful private beach, as we celebrated 25 years of marriage. The view of the water was magnificent; I had been planning this with the bride of my youth, for almost a year. As we gazed peacefully across the teal colored sea, a man and his party set up literally right in front of me. I politely asked him to move one chair as I desired to continue my view. When he terslely replied yes, he proceeded to move anther chair in front of me for a second time. My Christian belief was now being tested. I proceeded through the day and evening seething over the incident. I had decided to confront him the next day, aggressively if necessary. The morning of the 25th, while having my quite time, I read “Laughter”. Needless to say, I experienced many emotions; Sucinctly, I felt spiritually humiliated before my God. I am now thinking….”these people in Uganda are celebrating with song and laughter because they have water for the very first time, and I am sulking because I can’t see mine”. It took a simple necessity for me to understand the grander picture of my circumstance, and God’s call. HE, turned that day, May 25th, to a most memorable one. In short, my adversary became a most enjoyable part of my celebration. Things could have turned far worse, but faithful are the mercies of God, they are new every morning.