You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness… (Psalm 30:11 ESV)
Understanding
It is said that a wise person laughs three times at a joke. First, when it is told. Second, when it is explained. And finally, again, when the joke is understood.
While in the midst of mourning, laughter can come when we find ourselves in better circumstances, of course.
But we also find joy and laugh through understanding. Understanding might come through a nudge from God’s Word. Perhaps understanding comes through the words of a friend. And maybe understanding comes through renewed awareness of the presence of God, EVEN in dark times.
But when we know Him anew, or perceive Him anew, or understand Him anew… we might laugh instead of mourn.
Naomi experienced this when Ruth remained with her. The disciples experienced this in the upper room. Saul experienced this on the road to Damascus.
The more we know, the more we laugh.