“Very soon the wicked and wickedness won’t be around; they will not be found. The meek, not the haughty, will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. Evil hates beauty, wicked people plot against God’s truth, goodness, and his people—gnashing their teeth with glee. But God laughs the loudest now and will get the last laugh. For having defeated evil at the cross, he has set the Day of evil’s eradication.” (Paraphrase of Ps.37:10–13)
Heavenly Father, laughter isn’t one of the things I grew up associating with you. Blinding white light, being way above me, sitting on a giant throne surrounded by angels and pipe organ music, yes—but not laughter. May the Gospel continue to deconstruct all the wrong ways I’ve thought about you. Keep reminding me that I’ve probably tasted only about .003 % of your love, awesomeness, and goodness.
I so look forward to the day when we will actually hear you laugh, Abba—a laughter and joy that already fill the corridors of heaven. That will be the Day when the expiration date for all evil, wickedness, and injustice will arrive on the calendar of grace. Hallelujah! Hasten the Day.
Until then, please allow me and my friends to hear your laughter in the Gospel—or at least let us be certain of your absolute sovereignty, current reign, and irrepressible plan for the entire cosmos. You aren’t anxious, Abba; that would be us. May your joy be our strength, your promise be our confidence, and your timing be our schedule.
And may all of this “good stuff” translate into us living more on mission and less in fear. Give us eyes to see and hearts to believe that Jesus is making all things new, right now and right here. And give us joy, love, and grace-gumption to join him. So Very Amen.
