This is something I hope will help you when you are struggling and down.  There are two things I suggest… well… maybe three.

The first is sunshine.  The second is fresh air.  The third is laughter.

I know that may not sound all that spiritual or godly, but there is more to being a well rounded Christian than just reading Scripture, praying, and meditating.  I’m convinced that three of the most important things are sunshine, fresh air, and laughter.

There is healing, joy, peace, and contentment when we are exposed to sunshine.  The light that shines upon us is a reminder of the light we have within us.  I can’t explain it, but when I choose to get out into the sun, I feel better afterward.

There is healing, joy, peace, and contentment when we breath in fresh air.  I especially like crisp morning air.  Taking a deep breath of fresh air is cleansing.  Fresh air is a reminder of the “pneuma” associated with the Holy Spirit.  It was when Jesus breathed upon the Apostles that they received the Holy Spirit… and were encouraged.

There is healing, joy, peace, and contentment when we laugh.  I love to laugh.  Laughter is medicine to the soul.  It is an expression of joy, freedom, liberty, and contentment.  It is almost impossible to laugh and stay in a bad or somber mood.  In Scripture God is described as laughing in several places.

   Psalm 126:1-3 When the Lord  restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.  2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations,  “The Lord has done great things for them.”  3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.

   Luke 6:21 “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.”

Being exposed to sunshine is easy… just go outside.  Breathing in fresh air is easy… just go outside.  Laughter takes a little more work… sometimes.  So here’s what I do, which may or may not work for you.

  1. Let go of all your troubles by believing 1 Peter 5:6-7; Hebrews 4:16; Proverbs 3:5-6; and Psalm 37:4.

  2. Take active steps to do things you know are light hearted and designed to bring joy to you.  Such as… A) Watch “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on TV.  B) Watch your favorite comedy like “Andy Griffith” or “I Love Lucy.”  C) Get around some young toddlers and watch them play.  D) Watch some old home videos with your family you tucked away in a closet.  E) Surround yourself with people who don’t take themselves, life, or you so seriously… but love to laugh.  F) Do something… anything… you consider fun.

  A blonde decided to hire herself out as a handyman-type in a wealthy neighborhood.  She went to a house and asked the owner if he had any jobs.  “You can paint my porch. How much will you charge?”  The blonde said, “50 dollars.” The man agreed and told her that the paint and ladders were in the garage. The man’s wife heard the conversation and said to her husband, “Does she realize that the porch goes all the way around the house?”  The man replied, “She should. She was standing on the porch.”  An hour later, the blonde came to the door to be paid.  “You’re finished already?” he asked. “Yes,” the blonde answered, “and I had paint left over, so I gave it two coats.”  Impressed, the man reached in his pocket for the $50. “And by the way,” the blonde added, “that’s not a Porch, it’s a Ferrari.”