A Smiley Face

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.

Proverbs 15:30

My friend Cathryn had just returned home for the hospital when I visited her. It is always a joy to visit with Cathryn because she has such a sweet spirit and such a positive attitude.  Regardless of the situation she is in, Cathryn is always upbeat. Don’t you love people like that?

As we visited, Cathryn said, “I want to tell you about one of the nurses I had in the hospital. Every time she entered my room it was as though a bright light came on. She always had a sweet smile and a radiant glow on her face. Her kind, soft voice was so encouraging to me.”

Cathryn talked on about this nurse. She said she asked the young nurse how she could always have a glow about her. The nurse told Cathryn that her joy came from the Lord and that she trusted Him in every area of her life. What a great testimony!

After hearing this, I had to ask myself, “Am I radiating the joy of the Lord to others?” How about your countenance? Can others tell by looking at you that you are a Christian? Do they see a frustrated, worried look on your face?

It is Jesus’ intent for every Christian to have joy in their lives. Why then do so many of us struggle to have it?

Sometimes we allow unconfessed sin to burden us down and to zap our joy. Sometimes we just don’t trust God to handle things for us. Sometimes we try to live up to the demands and expectations of others. Then sometimes we can’t let go of worldly things that come between us and God.

What keeps you from having a smile on your face? What keeps you from radiating the joy of the Lord? It’s good to take a personal inventory from time to time.

Let’s show God’s love to those around us.

Father, I pray that I can demonstrate Your love and joy to others.

Georgia Andrus