Smiling can change your whole life! No, seriously it CAN CHANGE YOUR WHOLE LIFE! Smiling says you are undefeated. Even though the world is bearing down on you, you will not submit to it's will. Why? Because Christ has already won! While we fight and struggle through the battle, He has already won the war.
So even though I just accidentally deleted a post I spent 3 hours working to write, I am smiling. Even though I feel stressed out of my mind, I smile. Even though my days never go as I plan and my patience is constantly tried, I wear a smile.
Because all things work for the good of God! Like how the stress in my life pushes me to try harder. And having my patience tried means there are people around me who love and appreciate me enough to try my nerves. God guides me throughout my day, leading me to where I am needed and keeping me safe.
And because no matter what is going on, no matter how awful my situation seems, there is a greater place awaiting me. God has promised that my trials will reveal rewards.
Let's look at Matthew 5:1-16
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We are called to be the Light to others. To SHINE! How can we shine if we cannot even smile? Do you know a simple smile can change someone's day? Yes, a plain old smile can win a soul for Christ!
Here's the thing about light: no matter what, light will shine. Darkness cannot overcome it. And the only way to eliminate it is to snuff it out or cover it up. Simply stated, darkness is the absence of light. Without darkness light can survive, but darkness can only thrive when light is removed. Christ has lit the brightest, most powerful source of light in each of us who seek Him. However, you can count on Satan to try to cut off that flame's oxygen, and he goes about it stealthily. With little things he tries to depress us, and cause us discontentment. He sends small, unfortunate events into our day so that they can pile on top of each other, and before you know it, he's succeeded. But the great thing about light is when you put it out, you can also relight it. And Christ can relight you!
We have been given a choice. To seek joy or to seek discontentment. The promise of joy comes through the fulfillment of Christ in our lives. Of pursuing a relationship with Him, studying His Word, and following His commandments. He has shown us love, so if we are His light shouldn't we show that love to others? Emotions are fleeting-one minute you're happy, the next you're not. If you live by them they will destroy you and they will snuff out your light. Following a life like this is an unsatisfying roller-coaster; in the end it only leads to derailment. We need to gain control of our emotions instead of letting them run of their own accord. I don't know about you, but choosing to endure the sufferings of this world with joy is a more appealing notion to me. And in the end we will never suffer again. But instead we shall eternally rejoice and have peace in the satisfaction of our Lord.
So I smile. Because today I woke up. I have air in my lungs. I have eyes that can see the beauty of creation. Ears to hear the sweet sounds of music and laughter. I have a mind that works and creates amazing things. I have a family that loves me and cared enough to teach me about God's Love. I have mentors who influence me for good and assist with personal growth. I have friends who can carry intelligent conversations and create hilarious jokes (seriously we are super funny!) There is a roof over my head, and I have no want for food, clothing, or money. In all of my trials Christ has ALWAYS prevailed and provided for me. Could I always see it? No. But He always did. Because His Love wins out. Always. So Smile! Trust in the plans God has carefully created just for you. Because YOU were fearfully and wonderfully made for Him and by Him. So Smile!
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