"False Laughter"

"Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha." (Psalms 70:3) If you have been following the Lord for any real amount of time, say for at least ten years or more, then you can probably recall at least a time or two when you might recall this kind of shame; it's not really all that easy to get out of your mind, because it took some effort on your part to make it work; if it did work, that is. You know what I am talking about, don't you? It's those times when you really want to cry and break down in front of everyone, yet you hold back your tears and pretend to be happy, as if everything is just fine. Not your trip? Never had that kind of experience? "Aha, aha!" This just so happens to be "A Prayer for Deliverance," and in case you did not know, deliverance can only take place when we get honest before God and let go of all that stuff you keep holding on to. And yes, it usually requires open humiliation! Interesting enough, we are going to face humiliation in one form or another; it's either in front of everyone once, or continually in front of the mirror. I would say once is the best way to go, because as it tuns out, your going up from that point. Take it from someone that knows, real joy comes from letting it out and moving on into deliverance. If you fail to get this stuff behind you, your joy and your laughter is really not from within, it's all made up...
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people, then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin." (Hebrews 12:1-4) NLT