Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face. NASB
Have you ever pictured Jesus with a smile on His face? Last week, I began to purposefully picture Jesus smiling as He went about “doing good and healing all those who were oppressed.” Acts 10:38 I am not sure why I had never really given much thought to how Jesus’ face truly appeared, while He was living on the earth, let alone as He now sits in heaven or lives within you or I. Yes, now and then, I had pictured Jesus smiling. But, for the most part I left out one of the most distinguishing features of Jesus’ character – His beautiful warm smile.
As I began this new series on Psalm 100, I readily saw that the psalmist commands us to have a joyful heart as we enter into God’s presence. Proverbs 15:13 reflects on this truth and states that “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face.” Where are you or I to get this joyful heart – this cheerful face? Psalm 100 answers this question. It comes from knowing God – knowing the One Who made you and cares for you – knowing the One Who is good and full of mercy and truth. (Psalm 100:3,5)
As you begin to know these Truths with your mind and begin to experience them in your life, don’t forget to see one of the most important expressions on Jesus’ face – His smile. More importantly, allow yourself to see Jesus smiling at you. Yes, take a moment right now and look into Jesus’ face and see Him smiling at you, welcoming you into His heart.
Allow yourself to see Jesus’ smile. More importantly, allow yourself to see Jesus smiling at you.
Why am I making such a big deal about Jesus’ smile, His joyful heart? Because Jesus did. Before Jesus went to the cross, He shared what was on his heart with His disciples. He said, “The things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11 Can you believe it? God is genuinely concerned that His joy be in you and that your joy be made full?
Don’t allow your image of God be tainted any longer by pictures, movies, books, or sermons that have mainly portrayed Jesus with a serious somber looking face. But rather, have your image of God be formed by the truth of God’s Word: “Your God has anointed You (Jesus) with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” (Hebrews 1:9) In other words, Jesus, Who perfectly represented your heavenly Father, was the most joyful being in the universe. This means He smiled a lot!
And guess what? Jesus is living in you. Allow His joy to bubble up from within you bringing a smile to your face!
Discover how you can encounter the joyful Jesus and have a joy-filled heart in our “Keys to Joy-Filled Living” series.