Over the last ten years, I have battled depression. There were times when it was so overwhelming, I thought I would lose my mind. I even planned to take my own life. After I got married and had a child, I thought things would get better, but they did not. Until one day, while in the shower, the Lord asked me, *Who has the last laugh?*

Growing up, I would hear people say that laughter was good for the soul, or laughter is the best medicine. I have found through Scripture that laughter is a powerful weapon that should be used in warfare.

Have you ever been in a serious situation and just could not resist the urge to laugh? The bill collectors were calling, people were putting you down, nothing seemed to be going your way, and in the midst of it all, you laughed. Proverbs 15:13 says, A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The enemy knows that if he can get us to feel sorrowful, that leads to depression, and depression leads to oppression. Once we are in this state, our spiritual strength is weakened, then we buy into more of his lies. In Psalm 59:8-9, Saul sent men to kill David. David had this to say: But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense. The enemy will always send someone or something to plot against you, and you may see it's strength and feel weak, but trust in God to be your defense.

There always seemed to be situations to come my way, that made me want to stay in bed all day. To not speak to anyone and just hid away. It was then, I reminded myself of whom I served. He is Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, and Jehovah Rophi, whatever we need Him to be, He is! We must keep the promises of God before us. Whatever your situation is, God has already promised you the victory. When depression tries to set in, boldly confess His Word. When I finally put this into practice, nothing seemed to happen. I continued to call on His promises. One day, while in the shower, the words I had spoken became real. "The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he sees that his day is coming," Psalm 37:12-13. God laughed, He mocked the wicked, because He knows their fate in the end. Laughter breaks the power of the enemy! Laughing at the situation will put the entire thing into perspective; you win in the end. When you are pressed on every side, and it seems that there is no way out, remember you have the last laugh!

LaKena is the wife of Al Dunham, and mother to Keith (5) and Zion (1).

LaKena is a first grade teacher at Agape Christian Academy, in Kaiserslauturn, Germany. She enjoys reading, traveling, and singing. LaKena also enjoys spending her time working with the youth at her church.