Strength and dignity are her garments;
she smiles about the future. (Proverbs 31:25 ISV)
REFLECTION
A loved one recently commented on a recent photo of me, where I was looking rather stern and serious, and he kindly reminded me that I have a lovely smile. The irony is that when the photo was taken my heart was actually full of hope, and yet it clearly wasn’t expressed in that particular photo. As I prayerfully pondered his comments, the reality of my vanity became apparent, in that sometimes I’m more focused on how I look than freely expressing the hope in my heart. I confessed my vanity to God and asked Him to help me freely express every good thing from Him, so that all involved (including myself) are encouraged.
Smiling can be a kind of ministry. As believers in Christ – our Living Hope – we have a plethora of reasons to smile. Sometimes smiling takes courage, when it would be far easier to grumble, complain and drain others with a list of reasons not to smile. Of course, real, raw issues still need to be dealt with, but this can be done in hopeful, helpful ways. I’m not talking about wearing a fake, fixed smile and avoiding issues. As we prayerfully ponder the wonder of our caring Creator and His creation, the choice and physical act of smiling can be a kind of declaration, whereby we express our hope in Christ. In light of God’s perfect, eternal love and promises, we can sincerely smile with confidence. Different smiles are needed in different situations…and in certain situations a smile is inappropriate or frowned upon, but whatever our state or situation, praise God that we can turn to Him and ask Him to smile on us and be gracious to us.
“ ‘ “May the Lord bless you
and take good care of you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord look on you with favor
and give you peace.” ’ (Numbers 6:24-26 NIRV)
PRAYER POEM: Smile
Loving Lord, may Your love light up my smile and stir me to go the extra mile, and keep me keenly aware that everything I do is to honour and glorify You.
