“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:5
It’s only the 3rd of December, and already many are finding the trappings of the Christmas season to be depressing. Even without feeling weighed down by holiday “obligations,” some days are just plain hard. The bills aren’t paid, the pain persists, the prayer is unanswered. You wonder along with David, “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” You can hardly muster a smile to reflect the love you have for Jesus.
Smiling is one of the simplest things we can do to spread joy. We can give the gift of a smile. More than a polite gesture, a smile can brighten someone’s dark day and kindle a fresh perspective.
But we all know that the reality of life’s problems can make it hard to smile. In those times we must think of how God smiled on His baby Son sent to us 2,000 years ago. Go to the comforting Bible passages like many of the Psalms or verses that pronounce a blessing. If the Lord has made His face to shine on us—smiled on us, really!—and has been gracious to us, giving us peace (see Numbers 6:24-26), how can we not smile?



Scripture Focus

Numbers 6:24-26

Insight

Jesus, give me the opportunity today to share what You have done for me. Let my smile radiate Your love and grace. Amen

Bible In A Year

  • Ezekiel 45-46
  • Proverbs 3
  • Hebrews 1-2

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