Holy Laughter or Unholy Deception? Rediscovering True Biblical Joy (Part 2)
Exposing the Counterfeit and Embracing the Real
The room was electric. People laughed uncontrollably, others staggered as if drunk. Shouts of “More, Lord!” echoed while some lay on the floor convulsing in what was called joy – “Holy Spirit joy.”
But was it…?
In Part 1, we examined the origins of “holy laughter” and “spiritual drunkenness”, explored how Scripture is often misused to justify these manifestations, and uncovered the deeper spiritual and emotional factors that cause people to cling to them – even when the Bible clearly warns against such confusion.
But now it’s time to ask:
- What does real, biblical joy look like?
- How does it differ from emotional chaos disguised as revival?
- And perhaps more urgently – what danger lies in mistaking fleshly or even demonic manifestations for the work of God’s Spirit?
In this final part, we’ll unpack the beauty of true Spirit-given joy, the serious dangers of counterfeit experiences, and what the Holy Spirit actually does when He moves in power. Because real joy – the kind that sustains you through suffering and anchors your soul – isn’t found on the floor laughing. It’s found in Christ.
True Biblical Joy vs. Counterfeit “Joy”
Not all joy is from the Lord.
The Bible speaks often and deeply about joy – but what it reveals is vastly different from the noisy manifestations seen in modern “revival” meetings. True biblical joy is not a moment of emotional frenzy. It is a deep, unshakable delight in God, rooted in salvation, sustained by the Spirit, and expressed in reverent worship – even in suffering.
What we regularly see today in the name of joy is something else entirely: an unstable, experience-driven emotionalism that is fleeting at best and deceptive at the same time.
Comparison: Biblical Joy vs. Charismatic Counterfeit
Biblical Joy Is Deep, Not Loud
Joy that comes from the Spirit is not explosive or erratic – it is inward, stable, and spiritual. It may be expressed through singing or tears, but it is never chaotic or fleshly. It’s a joy that holds you when everything else falls apart.
“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8–9)
This “inexpressible joy” isn’t uncontrollable laughter – it’s a spiritual wonder rooted in Christ’s salvation, beyond the limits of words, not beyond the boundaries of self-control.
So, true biblical joy is not a fleeting burst of laughter – it is a steady delight in the Lord, rooted in His truth, refined by trials, and expressed in lives surrendered to the LORD Jesus.
It doesn’t need a certain atmosphere, a certain song, or a certain prophet to manifest. It doesn’t bypass your mind, dignity, or self-control.
It’s quiet enough to keep you hidden, and strong enough to carry you through the fire. And it’s only found in Christ…!
The Dangers of Counterfeit Experiences
Embracing counterfeit joy isn’t just unwise – it’s dangerous.
What may begin as a moment of emotional freedom or spiritual euphoria can quickly spiral into confusion, dependency, deception, and even spiritual harm. The manifestations of “holy laughter” and “spiritual drunkenness” are usually presented as harmless – or even sacred – but the fruit they produce tells another story.
If these experiences are not rooted in truth, shaped by Scripture, and anchored in Christ, they cannot be the work of the Holy Spirit! And what masquerades as joy may, in fact, be leading people away from the very God it claims to represent/reveal.
Let’s explore some of the most serious dangers.
It’s A Joy That Scatters, Not Strengthens
In the book of Nehemiah, the people were weeping after hearing the Word of God read aloud. Their conviction was deep, their hearts were tender – and in that moment, Nehemiah encouraged them:
“Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
This joy wasn’t the result of a laughing fit. It came from knowing that despite their sin, God had not cast them off. It was a joy rooted in God’s mercy, Word, and faithfulness.
Likewise, when Jesus promised fullness of joy in John 15:11, it was the outcome of abiding in Him and keeping His commandments. This kind of joy strengthens the weary, purifies the heart, and helps us endure suffering. It doesn’t distract. It doesn’t scatter. It doesn’t cause spiritual chaos.
Counterfeit joy, by contrast, weakens the believer. It keeps them immature, always chasing a high but never growing in holiness.
A Joy Void Of Truth
Emotion without truth is not neutral – it’s a setup for deception!
The Bible consistently warns us that passion, zeal, and even spiritual fervor – when detached from sound doctrine and discernment – will lead people far from God:
“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2)
“Also, it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, and he sins who hastens with his feet.” (Proverbs 19:2)
“…true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth…” (John 4:23)
When “joy” is treated as a feeling to chase rather than a fruit to cultivate, it opens the door to emotional manipulation, spiritual immaturity, and deep disillusionment when the feelings fade.
Counterfeit joy:
- Fosters dependency on emotional highs
- Weakens biblical discernment and spiritual grounding
- Replaces true fellowship with shallow performance
- Leaves believers confused, exhausted, or spiritually burned out
But true joy:
- Anchors the soul in every storm
- Draws us deeper into God’s Word
- Perseveres through sorrow
- Overflows in gratitude, holiness, and Christ-centered worship
It Replaces Clarity With Confusion
When church services begin to look more like chaotic parties than gatherings of holy worship – filled with laughing, falling, and staggering – the line between sacred and silly begins to “blur.”
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
It Gives A False Assurance & plunges into Spiritual Deception
One of the most sobering dangers of counterfeit manifestations is that they can give people false assurance that they are right with God simply because they “felt something.” They may equate laughter or falling with spiritual intimacy – even if their lives remain unchanged, unrepentant, or disconnected from the Gospel.
Worse still, Scripture warns that those who reject truth may eventually be handed over to deception:
“…because they did not receive the love of the truth… God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…” (2 Thessalonians 2:10–11)
The danger here is not just emotional – it’s eternal.
Thus, counterfeit joy may look spiritual. It may feel liberating. It may be defended by leaders with global platforms. But in the end, if it does not lead to truth, holiness, discernment, and a deeper love for Christ, then it is not of the Spirit of God.
It is a distraction, a deception, and in many cases, a doorway to complete delusion.
What the Holy Spirit Actually Does
If we want to discern whether something is truly of the Holy Spirit, we must first understand what Scripture actually says about His role, purpose, and fruit in the lives of believers. He is not a chaotic force or an emotional current. He is the third Person of the Trinity – holy, wise, powerful, and always consistent with the character of God and the truth of Scripture.
Far from bypassing our minds or causing us to lose control, the Holy Spirit leads us to truth, holiness, wisdom, and Christ-centeredness.
Let’s examine what He truly does – compared to what is often falsely attributed to Him in modern “revivals.”
1. The Holy Spirit Glorifies Christ, Not Manifestations
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:14)
The Holy Spirit’s primary role is not to draw attention to Himself, manifestations, or the one “carrying the anointing.” His ministry is always to exalt Jesus Christ, reveal His truth, and point us to the Gospel.
If a spiritual experience draws focus away from Christ – or worse, glorifies the leader or the performance – it is not from the Holy Spirit.
2. The Holy Spirit Produces Holiness, Not Hysteria
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18)
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)
When the Spirit fills a believer, the result is not incoherence, uncontrollable laughter, or disorder – it is self-control, godly character, and a life increasingly conformed to the image of Christ.
The true evidence of the Spirit’s work is not how a person shakes, falls, or laughs – but how they walk, speak, repent, obey, and endure.
3. The Holy Spirit Brings Conviction and Clarity
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment…” (John 16:8)
One of the clearest evidences of the Spirit’s presence is conviction of sin. When the Spirit moves, hearts are pierced, lives are changed, and people turn from darkness to light. The book of Acts repeatedly shows the Spirit leading to bold proclamation of the Gospel, repentance, and salvation – not chaos and bizarre laughter.
A meeting where the Spirit is truly at work will be marked by truth, repentance, and awe, not by theatrics.
4. The Holy Spirit Builds Up the Church in Order and Unity
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” (1 Corinthians 14:33)
Paul addressed disorder in the Corinthian church not by encouraging more freedom, but by calling for structure, discernment, and accountability. The Holy Spirit brings peace, not pandemonium. His gifts are given to edify the body, not entertain the crowd.
If a “move of God” results in confusion, division, fleshliness, or loss of control, we can be sure it is not the Spirit of the New Testament.
5. The Holy Spirit Leads Us into All Truth
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13)
The Spirit does not contradict Scripture – He illumines it. He does not bypass our minds – He renews them (Rom. 12:2). He does not lead us into spiritual shortcuts – He leads us into truth that produces transformation.
Experiences that oppose or minimize God’s Word are not from the Spirit of truth. They are counterfeits – no matter how convincing they feel.
To summarize: The Holy Spirit:
- Glorifies Jesus, not spiritual sensations
- Sanctifies believers, not sends them into altered states
- Convicts of sin, not distract from it
- Leads into truth, not away from Scripture
- Builds the church in peace and order, not through disorder and confusion
He is not a source of amusement, or a mystical force to intoxicate. He is the Holy Spirit – and He is HOLY…!
Real Joy in the Spirit
When we strip away the noise, the theatrics, and the emotionally charged environments, we’re left with a question every sincere believer must answer:
What does it really mean to experience joy in the Holy Spirit?
The Bible makes it clear: the joy that comes from the Spirit is real, deep, and lasting – but it is also quiet, anchored in biblical truth, and usually forged in suffering. It is not shallow, chaotic, or emotionally erratic. In fact, the most Spirit-filled people in Scripture were often marked by sober reverence, deep worship, and unwavering faith, not uncontrolled laughter or staggering behavior.
Joy That Endures, Not Entertains
True joy doesn’t need the right music, atmosphere, or prophet to “activate” it. It is the product of a life that walks closely with Christ – joy that remains when no one’s watching, when trials press in, and when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
“Though the fig tree may not blossom… Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
This is joy that isn’t dictated by circumstances, peer pressure, manipulated by leaders from the stage, or driven by hype. It comes from knowing that Christ has saved you, God is with you, and His promises are sure in Christ Jesus – even when you don’t feel anything at all.
Joy That Worships Through Tears
In the Bible, joy often walks hand-in-hand with grief, trial, and even persecution. Paul described himself and his fellow apostles as:
“…sorrowful, yet always rejoicing…” (2 Corinthians 6:10)
This is the paradox of Christian joy: it is possible to weep and rejoice at the same time. This joy does not come from denying pain but from embracing God’s presence within it. It doesn’t avoid hardship – it worships in the midst of it.
True joy leads you to your knees in surrender – not onto the floor in hysteria.
Joy That Flows From GOD’S Word
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart…” (Jeremiah 15:16)
The Holy Spirit doesn’t cause joy by bypassing the Word – He causes joy through the Word. When God’s truth penetrates our hearts, joy rises. It’s not a feeling we chase; it’s a fruit that grows as we walk in step with the Spirit, feed on Scripture, and behold Christ.
The most joyful believers are not the loudest in the room. They are often the deepest in the Word.
Joy That Reflects Christ
Jesus was not a hyper-emotional figure. He was called “a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3), and yet, the writer of Hebrews says He was anointed with the oil of gladness more than anyone else (Hebrews 1:9). His joy wasn’t flippant – it was pure, holy, and enduring.
“…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross…” (Hebrews 12:2)
This is the kind of joy the Spirit gives us: a joy that LOOKS AHEAD TO GLORY, endures suffering, and expresses itself in unwavering obedience and holy hope – not in outbursts of laughter disconnected from truth.
So, REAL joy in the Spirit is not a spectacle – it’s a sign of deep spiritual life.
It:
- Grows through communion with Christ
- Endures through suffering
- Is fed by God’s Word
- Produces peace, worship, holiness, and hope
It doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful. It doesn’t need to be dramatic to from God the Spirit. And it never draws attention to itself – it draws attention to Christ.
A Call to Discernment and Depth
The pull of spiritual experience can be powerful, especially when it promises joy, freedom, or a deeper connection with God. Many who fall into the practices of “holy laughter” or “spiritual drunkenness” are not rebellious or intentionally deceived – they’re often genuinely hungry for “more” of God.
But hunger without discernment is dangerous… Desire without truth is destructive.
God does want us to be filled with His joy. He does want us to be refreshed, empowered, and transformed by His Spirit. But He has never called us to surrender our minds, distort His Word, or settle for emotional chaos in the name of “anointing.”
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God…” (1 John 4:1)
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Now more than ever, we need a Church that can tell the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error (1 John 4:6). A Church that values the fruit of the Spirit more than “feelings,” and the Word of God more than “wonders.” A Church that exalts Christ, not manifestations.
If you want real joy, go to the real source. Don’t chase the next emotional wave. Don’t measure your spirituality by what you feel in a meeting. Don’t confuse God’s Spirit with show or display.
Instead, abide in Christ. Let His Word dwell in you richly. Walk by the Spirit, and watch as His fruit grows quietly but powerfully in your life.
Because when the laughter fades…, when the music stops…, when the atmosphere changes…, only Christ remains. And in Him is real fullness of joy.
