DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- LAUGHTER

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – LAUGHTER

"And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him – Isaac." (Genesis 21:3)

What joy there must have been when Isaac was born. They had waited a long time for this day, and it was finally here. It was a day of New Birth, much like the day when a child is born into our families.

The name Isaac means, "Laughter." Perhaps Abraham named him Isaac because that is the name the LORD had told them to name him (Genesis 17:19). Perhaps it was because Sarah had laughed at the thought of her bearing a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12). Or perhaps it was just the pure joy of having the son that God had promised. Whatever, it was a day of joy and laughter.

There is great joy when God fulfills His promises. Psalm 126:2: "When the LORD brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad."

Sometimes our hearts are so overflowing with joy that our mouths are filled with laughter. When God works out a problem that we can see no the solution to; When God provided food when our cupboards were empty; When God fills our hearts with His presence, or we experience the joy of forgiveness and our salvation; When we see another person come to Salvation. Laughter is the expression of joy, and I believe that Heaven rings with the sound of laughter.

This does not mean that there would always be laughter in their lives, and no sadness. Abraham and Sarah would face sadness in the days and years to come. Still Isaac would remain – laughter would endure.

Our joy does not come from circumstances, but in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises. Joy comes from our New Birth – our Isaac. The Savior brings joy to the heart. Whatever else happens, our salvation is secure. Isaac-- laughter – will still be there, and we can have joy in our hearts because of God's salvation. Oh, the joy of sins forgiven.

Love, Dad