Put On A Smile!

It has been said: “When dressing in the morning, don’t forget to put on a smile!”

What does a smile say about us? When people see us walking down the road grinning and smiling, what do they think? Some may wonder what we’ve been up to, but generally we will be viewed as just being happy, content, and out enjoying life.

Note a statement Solomon made in Ecclesiastes:
“Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A MAN’S WISDOM MAKES HIS FACE SHINE, and the hardness of his face is changed.” ( Ecclesiastes 8:1 ESV)

What are things that harden the appearance of the face? Among the many things we might consider are: anger, anxiety, discouragement, sadness over losses, suspicion, etc.

What can bring the change to brighten the face? Among the things we might view here are: knowledge of what counts, trust in God’s promises, forgiveness, trusting relationships, etc. Why would these bring such a change? Because wisdom of what counts and a focus on God can bring CLARITY TO OUR PERSPECTIVE of things.

There is more than one way to say “the light comes on.” If the light goes on inside, why would we not expect a change on the outside? The expression may also be one of contentment and peace as we walk in faith with God. God’s wisdom removes that hard face. God touches the heart and that changes the outward countenance.

Rather than letting the circumstances around our life determine our expression, we need to let our heart, trusting in God, determine the look on our face. With our life in the hands of God, we have much about which to be JOYFUL. We also have much to provide a sense of peace. Let the world see OUR JOY. Let the world marvel at OUR JOY in spite of life’s challenges. This may cause the world to desire OUR JOY, providing the opportunity to introduce them to the eternal source of OUR JOY.

Have a great day KEEPING ON A HAPPY FACE!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 11/07/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

See other teEn-MAIL on Joy