A recent
study that I read concluded that smiling can be good for your health. Research
shows that smiling slows down the heart and reduces stress.
But
smiling isn’t just good for you; a genuine smile blesses those on the
receiving end as well. Without saying a word, it can tell others that you like
them and that you are pleased with them. A smile can hug someone with love
without giving them even the slightest touch.
Life does
not always give us a reason to smile. But when we see a heartfelt smile on a
child’s face or through aged wrinkles, our hearts are encouraged.
Smiles
are also a hint of the image of God in us. In the ancient blessing recorded in
the book of Numbers we get an indication that God “smiles”: “The Lord make His
face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon
you, and give you peace” (Num. 6:25-26). Those words are a Hebrew idiom for the
favor of God on a person’s life, asking God to smile on His children.
So today, remember that you are loved by God, and that He is pleased to be gracious to you and to shine His face upon you.
