Bread for the JourneySample

The Blessing of a Smile

Joy is one of those feelings of the soul that makes us live gratefully and satisfied. It's a feeling that lasts longer in some than in others. Yes, because there are people who seem to need an extraordinary reason to smile. They go through life with a bitter spirit, always looking for faults and finding enough reasons to be resentful and unpleasant.

I'm not talking about moments in life when we feel sad and afflicted for more than justifiable reasons. We would be very naive to think that, as Christians, we should always have a smile on our faces. Sorrow, sadness, and affliction are also expressions of the soul that God has allowed us to have to express our pain. I can't imagine how we could handle situations of affliction without the blessed provision of tears.

But we also have the blessing of the rejoicing that occurs in our being because of the glorious reality that we belong to Christ. So, when we think about it, we realize that there is a deep joy in us just from knowing everything we are in Him. “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27, NIV) Christ in us, "the hope of glory." The salvation He obtained for us on the cross and everything it contains are more than enough reasons for our souls to smile.

When we look at the psalms, we realize that, despite the vicissitudes and setbacks the psalmist went through, he always had words to express his joy and happiness. “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.” (Psalm 68:3, NIV) “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” (Psalm 97:11, NIV) “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalm 100:2, NIV)

It is regrettable that many people have a wrong concept of the believer, calling them serious and unpleasant. A conception that doesn't come out of nowhere, if we accept that for some believers, it seems as if having a smile on their face is a sin. They think that the more austere, serious, and gaunt they look, the more their halo will shine over their heads.

Let's show the world that there is a joy in us that does not depend on circumstances but on the faith, trust, and hope we have in our God. It's time for the world to see us for who we truly are: the fortunate and blessed children of the Most High. We are people who have countless reasons to smile, to be thankful, and to celebrate in God!

It's important that we check in on the joy and gladness of our souls now and then and say to the Lord: “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:11–12 NIV)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7 NIV)