Smile—God Loves You!

“Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.” (Psalm 96:2)

The other day, as I was making my way down to the floor to play with my son, I made one of those unfortunate groaning noises that accompanies middle age. Luke, who’s just three years old, looked at me, as if to say, “What was that about?” I smiled at him and said, “Daddy is getting old.”

Without missing a beat, Luke responded, “Mommy is not getting old. Mommy is pretty.” He’s right. My wife, Laurin, is beautiful. But my son’s observation makes a profound point: how we feel inside has a direct correlation to how we present ourselves on the outside.

I realize it may not seem “spiritual” to write about outward appearances. After all, God looks at a person’s heart (1 Samuel 16:7). But it’s just as true that a watching world judges by appearance. What we say, how we carry ourselves, and how we behave communicate volumes about who we are and what we believe.

Have you ever noticed that Jesus projected a confidence and joy that made Him attractive to the crowds but a source of consternation to the Pharisees? That’s because Jesus knew the truth about the Father’s love for Him and His purpose in the world. As followers of Jesus, we have that same love from the Father, and we too have been invited to embrace God’s purposes for our lives. Should we not also be people who walk in confidence and joy?

You have been forgiven. You have been redeemed. You have been set free. If you haven’t done so already, let your face know!

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The Ascent: A Devotional Adventure through the Book of Psalms releases August 2, but you can preorder it today.