Listen to this devotion
Bring on the Smiles!
In the Word
A glad heart makes a cheerful face … (Proverbs 15:13a).
Of the Word
Remember elephant jokes? Knock-knock jokes? Ole and Lena jokes? How about silly movies, crazy sit-coms, or goofy commercials? Some brought smiles and chuckles. Others brought genuine belly laughs! But a glad heart is more than smiles and chuckles, more lasting than any quickly-passing joke or drama. A glad heart is evidence of God’s presence in us and the sure knowledge of His love for us. The joy of His presence is reflected in a cheerful face.
Does that mean no sorrows, no troubles; no setbacks for His people? No, for we live in a world beset by them, a world filled with sin. But it does mean that, because of God’s presence, we can have joy in, around, and in spite of unhappiness. With the psalmist we can pray, Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12a). We have Jesus’ promise, “I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22b). His promise is no joke. It’s the reason for an eternal smile!
A Point to Ponder: How will my face reflect the joy of the Lord today?
Walking with my Lord
Thank You, Lord, for being in me and with me. Help me to reflect Your presence as I go about my daily routine. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 31/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
