This past Wednesday, a choir comprised of young adults from a Pennsylvania Bible college came to our church to give a concert and share their incredible talent and love for the Lord.

Earlier in the day, I had heard a piece of news that tempted me to worry.

During the concert, even as I was enjoying the exquisite voices and lovely music, there was a part of my mind that ruminated on possible scenarios.

That all stopped when a young lady approached the microphone with her flute. She spoke eloquently about the piece she was going to play, which was based on (the dreaded or inspiring, depending on your point of view) Proverbs 31 woman. Specifically, she mentioned verse 25: “Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the days to come.”

Just before she began to play, she said, “This woman knows that she has no need to fear because she always has hope in her God. That’s why she can laugh at the days to come.”

With that Scripture, Jesus cut through my worrying and reminded me of the truth I know so well in my head but often need reminding in my heart: He is in control of ALL my days … past, present and future.

In the original language, that word for laugh means: “to rejoice, to play (including instrumental music, singing, dancing), merry.” 

This verse comes to us from the Author and personification of joy Himself … the very One who told us: 

In the world, you will have tribulation and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer! Take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world! I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you! —John 16:33, Amplified version

No, not all the days ahead will be good ones. There will still be trials and heartache and sadness. Jesus—never one to mince words or minimize anything—told us as much in the above verse.

YET (such a beautiful, hopeful word!), Jesus will give me strength and dignity to face whatever comes.

He will give me the gift of steady and constant overflowing joy, allowing a lightness of spirit that defies explanation.

I can laugh at the days to come because I have a Savior who knows every last detail of what the future holds. He is already there. He knows no fear and is ever-ready to conquer any fear that I have with the light of His presence and the glory of His power.

There is no fear in love (dread does not exist), but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! —1 John 4:18.

Real life is right now. I can’t live in the future. I can only live now.

And for today, I choose to laugh … long and hard, loud and full.

I choose faith.

I choose joy.