The Power of a Smile

Isn't it amazing what a smile will do? It can transform a dark situation into feelings of hope. The power that laughter brings actually heals, at times. "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing." (Proverbs 17:22a) When you last received a smile from a perfect stranger, didn't it feel good? A smile is free. At this day and age, it's usually hard to find. For some, it's hard to produce. but I find that it overflows in children. Jesus says we must become like children. A smile shines naturally if the heart is actively trusting, forgiving and choosing to love.

Oh, it's easy to smile when all is well. There was a day, almost eight years ago, I was very busy running from place to place, trying to get everything done that needed to be taken care of for the big night I had planned. I noticed that people were exceptionally happy that day. Everywhere I went strangers were not only smiling at me, but they were flashing their pearly whites to the point that I almost needed to keep my sunglasses on indoors. Finally, my last stop - I needed to run into the grocery store. I made a quick entrance into the restroom just to make sure that I wasn't the cause for the world's entertainment of the day. Were people laughing at me? And then I looked into the mirror. Oh my goodness - I was contagious!! You see, that evening I was going to marry the most wonderful gift that God has ever given me; and I was sharing that joy with everyone through my smile. Strangers were basically responding back to what I was giving them.

A smile is a free gift from God. Sometimes, as in my wedding story, it comes easy and is simply an over-abundance of the heart. But there are days when just smiling is a true effort. King David used to tell his soul to "take joy". In taking joy, we are placing our day into God's hands. Smiling, then, is an action of faith. It is trusting God in His sovereignty. It pleases Him and is a form of worship to Him. It is coming out of ourselves and being "others - focused".

I challenge you, as well as myself, to be contagious and welcoming with our smile. It is our first impression to others and it can lead to an open door to building God's kingdom. Let's grow down and out and up together.

Experiencing God's Presence in Worship

When we come together at church, our first priority is to worship and exalt God. We are created for something bigger than ourselves. We serve a God Who is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere at once. He was here before creation and He lives forever. He formed the terrain of the earth and everything on it. What an imagination, to bring into being all the different species of animals. What an Artist, to design the beauty of each delicate flower complete with its own signature fragrance. His canvas gives birth every morning. He hugs us when evening comes with the setting sun and secures us with the starry lights of the heavens. He has chosen to reveal Himself by wrapping us in His beauty. And yes - this great God of the universe gave His life for us. He desires us to be with Him for eternity.

He offers a glimpse of that each time we gather together for corporate worship. The bible tells us that, "Where two or more are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them." Are we expecting to connect with Him? He is waiting. Are we preparing ourselves before we get to church so that we can be more intimately acquainted with this marvelous God?

He offers Himself to us; but we have to want it. We must be watchful for Him. There will be distractions. The enemy doesn't want us to experience God's presence. He would rather have us involved in conversation with each other while the worship is taking place. I fear that this breaks God's heart. In James, it says that "God desires to draw near to us as we draw near to Him." We must make a conscious decision to draw near to Him. He is sitting among us every time we gather. Are we actively desiring to encounter Him? He is waiting for us to get serious.

The next time we gather, let's be deliberate in our focus. To be pro-active in our worship is to anticipate meeting with God. Pray the songs, rather than just singing the lyrics. Commune inwardly, rather than conversing with the person next to you. There is plenty of time for fellowship before and after the service. This will also help others to focus in as well. Expect nothing ... and receive nothing. Expect much ... and receive more than you can conceive. Worshiping God is an action that no one else can do for you. Everyone has to learn how to do it for themselves. Let's be of one mind and welcome Him - eager to expect Him to meet with us in a special way.