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Laugh Again: Experience Outrageous Joy
Did you hear the one about the Christian who couldn't keep from laughing? Chuck Swindoll has not only heard it, he tells it in this delightful book that gives us permission to be happy again. "When did life stop being funny?" Swindoll asks. His answer is found in this best-selling book which speaks to all busy, joy-drained people?from the pressured businessman to the harried homemaker. In Laugh Again , readers will discover ways to live in the present, say "no" to negativism, and realize that, while no one's life is perfect, joy and humor can be inspirational. Let Chuck Swindoll show you how to experience outrageous joy . . . and learn to laugh again!
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
71 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Swindoll
965 books835 followersCharles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 10, 2025
a friend gave me this 15 years ago and finally pulled it off my shelf. I think sometimes a book has to wait for you to mature to soak in what the author is saying. this was one of those books for me. I read it at the right time.
March 11, 2020
When I began reading this book , I had just completed reading , Dark Clouds , Deep Mercy . 2019 was the most difficult year my husband and I endured thus far . We're still praying that our prodigal child will come home (home to Christ and determine to live for the Lord , and not themselves ).
After I'd given myself permission to lament as a Christian , I knew that I needed to read Chuck Swindoll ' s book
What a wonderful journey this has been!
For a few weeks , we've been asked to bring our child and their friend with us to church . Now , of course , they don't "need church ". They need to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ , and then by God's grace and mercy, His Will will be done in all our lives .
Psalm 146:5 says , "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God . "
I am so thankful for authors who aren't afraid to share what God lays on their hearts .
I will be praying that, as Swindoll expressed in his conclusion , that more Godly professors , pastors , and teachers will step up and answer the need to share (and perhaps publish) their findings of where God shows His sense of humor and laughter .
It was truly "good medicine " as my family laughed until we were crying when reading the last couple pages . I even had to ask one of my daughters to read one portion because I was laughing so hard ! :)
After I'd given myself permission to lament as a Christian , I knew that I needed to read Chuck Swindoll ' s book
What a wonderful journey this has been!
For a few weeks , we've been asked to bring our child and their friend with us to church . Now , of course , they don't "need church ". They need to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ , and then by God's grace and mercy, His Will will be done in all our lives .
Psalm 146:5 says , "Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God . "
I am so thankful for authors who aren't afraid to share what God lays on their hearts .
I will be praying that, as Swindoll expressed in his conclusion , that more Godly professors , pastors , and teachers will step up and answer the need to share (and perhaps publish) their findings of where God shows His sense of humor and laughter .
It was truly "good medicine " as my family laughed until we were crying when reading the last couple pages . I even had to ask one of my daughters to read one portion because I was laughing so hard ! :)
August 31, 2013
Alright, I will totally say that at first I was not impressed with this book. I am not an avid reader of this author. BUT I TOTALLY LOVED IT!!!
I have went through depression and have anxiety attacks at times. This book on giving yourself permission to be happy is awesome. And the fact that the author Charles R. Swindoll uses Christian based stories makes it even better.
I am not going to go into this book, just know that if you need to LAUGH AGAIN this book is for you.
So due to the above, if I could it would be higher, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of:
Five Clock Rating!!!
Disclosure: I did not received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.
I have went through depression and have anxiety attacks at times. This book on giving yourself permission to be happy is awesome. And the fact that the author Charles R. Swindoll uses Christian based stories makes it even better.
I am not going to go into this book, just know that if you need to LAUGH AGAIN this book is for you.
So due to the above, if I could it would be higher, I am giving this book a Breath of Life ratings of:
Five Clock Rating!!!
Disclosure: I did not received the above book in exchange for my honest opinion and review. Opinions are my own and yours may differ.
February 5, 2017
There are so many truths in this book. Papa Chuck writes about the importance of having joy and joy-filled laughter as we live for Christ. How can we allow ourselves to be filled with sorrow, worry, regret, and all the other negatives of this world and at the same time claim to be filled by the Spirit of God? Not possible.
If you struggle with experiencing Joy, then I highly recommend this book. I know it helped me.
If you struggle with experiencing Joy, then I highly recommend this book. I know it helped me.
April 29, 2008
When I read this book, I laughed almost everyday. It is encouraging and funny. I reread it almost every year. The first time I read it, a family member commented that I seemed to have a more positive outlook and was laughing at the little things in life more - that made the book worth reading for me.
January 14, 2019
Light-hearted, although not very deep, study of the book of Philippians. It actually made me chuckle at some of the stories included and was a good reminder to laugh about things instead of being so serious, especially at my current stage of life as a mother of a toddler.
June 5, 2024
In Laugh Again, readers will discover ways to live in the present, say "no" to negativism, and realize that, while no one's life is perfect, joy and humor can be inspirational. Let Chuck Swindoll show you how to experience outrageous joy . . . and learn to laugh again.
I own a physical copy of this book but I decided to listen to it on audio. I recognized the audiobook narrator’s voice in the audiobook because I heard him on Christian radio a long time ago. I decided to DNF this book at 62%. I can’t get into it. I liked that it was encouraging and I liked the Bible verses but I didn’t like when the author started telling stories about himself. Every time the audiobook got to a part where the author started telling stories about himself, I started fast forwarding in the audiobook. I didn’t care about his life. I wanted him to talk about how to experience joy and be happy but I don’t feel like I got anything out of reading this.
I own a physical copy of this book but I decided to listen to it on audio. I recognized the audiobook narrator’s voice in the audiobook because I heard him on Christian radio a long time ago. I decided to DNF this book at 62%. I can’t get into it. I liked that it was encouraging and I liked the Bible verses but I didn’t like when the author started telling stories about himself. Every time the audiobook got to a part where the author started telling stories about himself, I started fast forwarding in the audiobook. I didn’t care about his life. I wanted him to talk about how to experience joy and be happy but I don’t feel like I got anything out of reading this.
October 19, 2021
I took a friend at his word when he said I could borrow a book from the bookshelves, and borrowed this one. He warned me, though, that it wasn't as funny as the title made it appear, since it was by Chuck Swindoll. (That my friend felt the need to warn me is, in itself, also funny.)
I think he was right, but it was still a worthwhile read, and still made me laugh outright a few times. Many, but not all, of the stories I've already heard here and there over the years. Chuck Swindoll seems to be more of a collector of funny things than an originator of them.
This was more of a Bible study on the topic of humor, mostly walking through the book of Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord! I will say it again: rejoice!" That sort of study is also worth doing, but if you want funnier Christian humor, I'd refer you to Liz Curtis Higgs or Barbara Johnson or Anita Renfroe or Jeanne Robertson or Patsy Clairmont or Erma Bombeck. (Some of those may have older books, but worth reading.) There's bound to be funny Christian male humorists, too, but at the moment, I can't think of any to add. Maybe add your own in the comments.
I loved that Swindoll raised the bar for us trying to find something funny to laugh over every day. I'll try that for awhile.
I liked how Swindoll compared the "perfect" in Philippians 1:6 as being the same word Jesus used from the cross as "It is finished." "For I am convinced of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
But I want to know why Paul was so confident with the Philippians and whether it applies to our loved ones stumbling along. Was he confident in the group but not a specific individual? Or had they withstood persecution without faltering thus far and so he know they would continue in faith.
Swindoll talked about being part of a great army striving together for the faith. And it is true. I've seen it in the early days of the pandemic, how we all helped each other, each from our own separate island.
I loved the section on forgiveness: "Start by telling God how much it hurts and that you need Him to help you forgive the offense. If you have a friend who is close enough to you to help you work your way through the process, reach out and say so. Get rid of all the poison of built-up anger and pour out all the acid of long-term resentment. Your objective is clear: Fully forgive the offender. Once that is done, you will discover that you no longer rehearse the ugly scenes in your mind. The revengeful desire to get back and get even will wane, and in its now-empty space will come such an outpouring of relief and a new spirit of joy that you won't feel like the same person. That deep frown on your brow and those long lines on your face will slowly disappear. And before too long you will get reaquainted with a sound you haven't made for months, maybe years. It is called laughter."
What I like about this list of Swindoll's is that forgiveness is possible and it is a process. I also like that the lack of continual replay or rehearsing is a sign of healing.
I don't know what I think about all those steps. There are probably other ones that help, too. Talking through things with the offender (if it's not dangerous) to hear their point of view, pitying them for what led to this, or for what natural consequences they might face, giving them the benefit of the doubt in their intentions when possible. But none of that is the same as trust.
I also liked what Swindoll said about clinginess in Phil 1:27-30, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear that you are standing firm." Somehow, I'd not much thought about clinginess in Christian terms before.
In referencing this verse Swindoll said not to set our happiness on others, ("... whether I come ... or remain absent") but I think this passage instead says not to cling to others in order to stand firm. Sometimes we will have our favorite human comforters and advisors, and sometimes we will not. But we still need to stand firm. Together "striving together for the faith" (v. 28) Happiness might be superficial and short-lived. Standing firm is more grim and determined. Joy may be one of the themes, but I'm not convinced it's part of this particular verse. And I'll admit that joy is longer-lasting than mere happiness.
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others." - Phil 2:3-4
Swindoll said, "Some may try to dissuade you from what may appear to be an unbalanced, extremist position. They may tell you that anyone who adopts this sort of attitude is getting dangerously near self-flagellation and a loss of health self-esteem. Nonsense! The goal is that we become so interested in others and in helping them reach their highest good that we become self-forgetful in the process."
I do think there's a balance in protecting the good for ourselves, too - rest, peace of mind, etc. But he had a point.
"Go back momentarily to Paul's choice of words, 'humility of mind.' As we pursue this attitude (exalting Christ) and get involved in the same objective (being of help and encouragement to others), we set aside our differences (harmony) and lose interest in pleasing ourselves (unselfishness.)" I did like that progression.
"Interestingly, Paul admits that their maintaining such a spirit of harmony would 'make my joy complete.' [Phil 2:2] Harmony promotes happiness. If you question that, you've not worked at a place where disharmony reigns or lived in a home fractured by disunity. Joy cannot survive such settings. If we hope to laugh again, harmony needs to be restored." That was an interesting thought. I don't know if joy can exist during conflict or not. I would say it's challenging, to say the least. But I'm betting that some foot soldier of Jesus' somewhere has probably managed it.
"... you appear as light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." - Phil 2: 16
Here Swindoll says Paul was bragging that he hasn't run in vain, but he [Swindoll] left out the "so that." Paul wanted his work not to be in vain, but he realized it was contingent on how the Philippians behaved whether or not all his labor and influence were useless. Hold fast the Word of Life so that I may have cause to glory. Hold out the Word of Life so that I haven't run in vain.
I heard once that responsibility without authority or control is a recipe for stress or burnout. Paul's goals no longer depended on himself, in part, but on others. But he didn't seem to be stressed about it.
He was "confident," to use the word from Phil 1:6, and that, in part was because he recognized that it was God Himself Who is continuing the work in them. Pauls' had the most powerful, effective Partner there is. And yet he still needed the Philippians to do something - to watch their attitudes, to be innocent, to shine, to hold out God's Word. It reminded me of all those years ago when this was the MOPS theme verse, when I first realized that it's holding out the Word of Life that makes us shiny.
Favorite quotes:
“Laughter is hope’s last weapon.”
“Madmen are always serious; they go mad from lack of humour.” – G. K. Chesterson
“For wolves to worry lambs is no wonder, but for lambs to worry one another this is unnatural and barbarous.” – Puritan Thomas Brookes
“Our attitude toward the world around us depends upon what we are ourselves. If we are selfish, we will be suspicious of others. If we are of a generous nature, we will be likely to be more trustful. If we are quite honest with ourselves, we won’t always be anticipating deceit in others. If we are inclined to be fair, we won’t feel that we are being cheated. In a sense, looking at the people around you is like looking in a mirror. You see a reflection of yourself.” – Jane Canfield as quoted by Lloyd Cory in “Quote/Unquote”
“We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness than we have to enter their houses and steal their silverware.” – Julia Seton as quoted by Lloyd Cory in “Quote/Unquote”
I think he was right, but it was still a worthwhile read, and still made me laugh outright a few times. Many, but not all, of the stories I've already heard here and there over the years. Chuck Swindoll seems to be more of a collector of funny things than an originator of them.
This was more of a Bible study on the topic of humor, mostly walking through the book of Philippians: "Rejoice in the Lord! I will say it again: rejoice!" That sort of study is also worth doing, but if you want funnier Christian humor, I'd refer you to Liz Curtis Higgs or Barbara Johnson or Anita Renfroe or Jeanne Robertson or Patsy Clairmont or Erma Bombeck. (Some of those may have older books, but worth reading.) There's bound to be funny Christian male humorists, too, but at the moment, I can't think of any to add. Maybe add your own in the comments.
I loved that Swindoll raised the bar for us trying to find something funny to laugh over every day. I'll try that for awhile.
I liked how Swindoll compared the "perfect" in Philippians 1:6 as being the same word Jesus used from the cross as "It is finished." "For I am convinced of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
But I want to know why Paul was so confident with the Philippians and whether it applies to our loved ones stumbling along. Was he confident in the group but not a specific individual? Or had they withstood persecution without faltering thus far and so he know they would continue in faith.
Swindoll talked about being part of a great army striving together for the faith. And it is true. I've seen it in the early days of the pandemic, how we all helped each other, each from our own separate island.
I loved the section on forgiveness: "Start by telling God how much it hurts and that you need Him to help you forgive the offense. If you have a friend who is close enough to you to help you work your way through the process, reach out and say so. Get rid of all the poison of built-up anger and pour out all the acid of long-term resentment. Your objective is clear: Fully forgive the offender. Once that is done, you will discover that you no longer rehearse the ugly scenes in your mind. The revengeful desire to get back and get even will wane, and in its now-empty space will come such an outpouring of relief and a new spirit of joy that you won't feel like the same person. That deep frown on your brow and those long lines on your face will slowly disappear. And before too long you will get reaquainted with a sound you haven't made for months, maybe years. It is called laughter."
What I like about this list of Swindoll's is that forgiveness is possible and it is a process. I also like that the lack of continual replay or rehearsing is a sign of healing.
I don't know what I think about all those steps. There are probably other ones that help, too. Talking through things with the offender (if it's not dangerous) to hear their point of view, pitying them for what led to this, or for what natural consequences they might face, giving them the benefit of the doubt in their intentions when possible. But none of that is the same as trust.
I also liked what Swindoll said about clinginess in Phil 1:27-30, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear that you are standing firm." Somehow, I'd not much thought about clinginess in Christian terms before.
In referencing this verse Swindoll said not to set our happiness on others, ("... whether I come ... or remain absent") but I think this passage instead says not to cling to others in order to stand firm. Sometimes we will have our favorite human comforters and advisors, and sometimes we will not. But we still need to stand firm. Together "striving together for the faith" (v. 28) Happiness might be superficial and short-lived. Standing firm is more grim and determined. Joy may be one of the themes, but I'm not convinced it's part of this particular verse. And I'll admit that joy is longer-lasting than mere happiness.
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others." - Phil 2:3-4
Swindoll said, "Some may try to dissuade you from what may appear to be an unbalanced, extremist position. They may tell you that anyone who adopts this sort of attitude is getting dangerously near self-flagellation and a loss of health self-esteem. Nonsense! The goal is that we become so interested in others and in helping them reach their highest good that we become self-forgetful in the process."
I do think there's a balance in protecting the good for ourselves, too - rest, peace of mind, etc. But he had a point.
"Go back momentarily to Paul's choice of words, 'humility of mind.' As we pursue this attitude (exalting Christ) and get involved in the same objective (being of help and encouragement to others), we set aside our differences (harmony) and lose interest in pleasing ourselves (unselfishness.)" I did like that progression.
"Interestingly, Paul admits that their maintaining such a spirit of harmony would 'make my joy complete.' [Phil 2:2] Harmony promotes happiness. If you question that, you've not worked at a place where disharmony reigns or lived in a home fractured by disunity. Joy cannot survive such settings. If we hope to laugh again, harmony needs to be restored." That was an interesting thought. I don't know if joy can exist during conflict or not. I would say it's challenging, to say the least. But I'm betting that some foot soldier of Jesus' somewhere has probably managed it.
"... you appear as light in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain." - Phil 2: 16
Here Swindoll says Paul was bragging that he hasn't run in vain, but he [Swindoll] left out the "so that." Paul wanted his work not to be in vain, but he realized it was contingent on how the Philippians behaved whether or not all his labor and influence were useless. Hold fast the Word of Life so that I may have cause to glory. Hold out the Word of Life so that I haven't run in vain.
I heard once that responsibility without authority or control is a recipe for stress or burnout. Paul's goals no longer depended on himself, in part, but on others. But he didn't seem to be stressed about it.
He was "confident," to use the word from Phil 1:6, and that, in part was because he recognized that it was God Himself Who is continuing the work in them. Pauls' had the most powerful, effective Partner there is. And yet he still needed the Philippians to do something - to watch their attitudes, to be innocent, to shine, to hold out God's Word. It reminded me of all those years ago when this was the MOPS theme verse, when I first realized that it's holding out the Word of Life that makes us shiny.
Favorite quotes:
“Laughter is hope’s last weapon.”
“Madmen are always serious; they go mad from lack of humour.” – G. K. Chesterson
“For wolves to worry lambs is no wonder, but for lambs to worry one another this is unnatural and barbarous.” – Puritan Thomas Brookes
“Our attitude toward the world around us depends upon what we are ourselves. If we are selfish, we will be suspicious of others. If we are of a generous nature, we will be likely to be more trustful. If we are quite honest with ourselves, we won’t always be anticipating deceit in others. If we are inclined to be fair, we won’t feel that we are being cheated. In a sense, looking at the people around you is like looking in a mirror. You see a reflection of yourself.” – Jane Canfield as quoted by Lloyd Cory in “Quote/Unquote”
“We have no more right to put our discordant states of mind into the lives of those around us and rob them of their sunshine and brightness than we have to enter their houses and steal their silverware.” – Julia Seton as quoted by Lloyd Cory in “Quote/Unquote”
May 5, 2018
Bought this book a long time ago. At the time, I did not really like it; just could not get into it. I picked it up again and started reading. Seems like it changed, or should I say, I've changed. There are so many applicable things that I now see and understand. What started as a good but boring book 15 years ago has now become a meaningful treasure. Granted, I have just started it, but each page seems so relevant. I needed to hear those "joy stealers" and confront them. I needed to be reminded of contentment and living free and confident.
February 15, 2015
Boring boring boring. I like his writing when it sticks strictly to the Bible, but I hate his stupid illustrations and idiotic stories from his boring life. I don't want to hear about when you took your son fishing, and how you think that illustrates some Biblical point. It doesn't. It's just boring. I started completely skipping any personal story and going straight to the verses.
March 15, 2015
Not a commentary in the traditional sense but rather an easy talk through the New Testament book of Philippians. Uplifting and insightful, Swindoll centers his thoughts around one of the key words of the epistle, joy. I've read quite a few of his books and this is one of his best. If you've had problems with what you have been going through lately, give this one a read.
July 14, 2020
A lot of Swindoll’s personality translates well to text in this. It’s more ramble-y than he gets in his podcasts and he repeats himself quite a bit, but a good deal of what he covers is applicable regardless of one’s beliefs (or lack thereof). If you don’t mind his redundancy, it’s a good companion read to Insight for Living.
January 4, 2008
When I read a self help book I usually implore myself to be more open to suggestions. But sorry to say I don't find this book applicable. I agree, though, that you need to pursuit your happiness. It doesn't just fall in to your lap.
March 11, 2018
This is well worth the read...I laughed, and then I gave it to friends to read. I am waiting to hear what they thought of the book, but I love the concept fo joy, and this book definitely brings that back! Well done, Mr. Swindoll...
May 25, 2018
We've been reading a couple pages from "Laugh Again" along with our daily Bible readings since the first of the year. Charles Swindoll uses his terrific sense of humor to make his points & cause the reader to do some self-inspection. Very enjoyable read!
Read
March 20, 2008248.4
December 2, 2008
Swindoll's ode to joy, based on the New Testament letter to the Philippians.
Read
April 17, 2009Laugh Again by Charles R. Swindoll (?)
Read
July 27, 2011How to understand Paul's letter to the Philippians like an American without actually reading it for yourself.
June 8, 2012
One of the books that restored Joy in my life...finding joy in pain is the most precious thing I've ever got to know...
April 9, 2013
So far I am laughing and being encouraged!
January 6, 2013
Excellent read...makes you laugh. I love how he speaks of the importance of laughter...
January 5, 2014
read this when i was in my in one of the crossroads of my life
January 3, 2016
One of Swindoll's best books. Loved it.
April 19, 2014
A delightfully uplifting look at the book of Philippians through the eyes of a well-known and very optimistic pastor. A most happy read.
May 17, 2017
I'm reading it again, well, because I want to laugh again! :-) Plus we are doing a Bible study on Phillipians and this book is a great resource.
February 19, 2016
This is a wonderful book, it tell us to stay with joy and live, even die with joy.
April 9, 2016
Light, humorous yet insightful treatment of the letter of Paul to the Philippians. Very helpful for when one's feeling jaded about living a life of faith.
February 10, 2018
excellent perspective
April 30, 2020
Entertaining, humorous and educational at the same time.
This one is worth re-reading
This one is worth re-reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews