—Proverbs 15:13
Remember the old song that suggested “when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you”? Proverbs 15 agrees.
Today, notice the difference in your attitude when you encounter someone with a smile. A smile invites you in and suggests that friendship is possible. A smile says all is well and the world is a beautiful place today. A smile puts you on holy ground.
A frown, on the other hand, breaks you down and leaves you feeling uncertain, unavailable, unloved even. Your troubles weigh in and prevent you from seeing all that is good.
Of course, you’ll have days when a smile is simply not going to carry you along, but do what you can to make those days as few as possible.
Imagine the smile God has on his face when he thinks of you. It just may help you to have a lighter and brighter countenance. After all, your smile is what others embrace.
A smile is like a welcome glass of cool water on a warm day. It refreshes you and strengthens you. It warms you as you follow in the footsteps of the One who loves you more than anything. Yes, you really can smile because God loves you.
Brighten the day with a basketful of smiles.
IN THE QUIET OF THE DAY
Lord, I may not always feel like smiling, but I realize that with you in my heart, I always have a reason to smile. No matter what I’m going through, help me to hold on to the hope and joy I have in you. Amen.
Talk about Weight Lifting!
But me? I will sing of your strength! In the morning I will shout out loud about your faithful love because you have been my stronghold, my shelter when I was distraught. I will sing praises to you, my strength, because God is my stronghold, my loving God.
—Psalm 59:16-17
Strength training has increased in popularity over the years. We’ve discovered the benefits of stretching and working out and getting better tone in our muscles. With the right training, a person can lift weights that are hundreds of pounds.
Of course, lifting weights means we’re taking our weak bodies and practicing and flexing and becoming stronger on our own. Lifting God up and raising our spiritual muscles actually means we become weaker, that is, our ego becomes weaker. It’s good news that God’s work in us is perfected in our weakness.
He becomes stronger if we give him room to work in our hearts and minds and take over that stronghold known as the ego.
Surrender all that you are and all that you hope for so that he can lift you up in his way and give you the strength you need to carry on. Remember the words from Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”
Practice singing about God’s strength and faithful love.
Be strong in the Lord today!
IN THE QUIET OF THE DAY
Lord, thank you for giving me your continued strength and love. Thank you for taking so many weights off my shoulders. Amen.
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