An Inside-Out Smile

When I look into the eyes of my precious baby, I see a mirror of my current facial expression. Little Vicki's scrunched-up forehead is my cue that I'm subconsciously worried, while her eager kicks and giggles when I'm excited remind me how contagious joy can be. She looks at my face when she hears a loud noise, and I try my best to project reassuring, cheerful confidence. It's got me thinking about how often I naturally smile and how much I want it to be a strong habit for both of us.

Inside-Out: Smiling Brings Happiness

My parents had a practical way of reinforcing our smile reflex: "Smile Practice". Dad would set a timer and the whole family would sit around the table and hold a smile for an allotted time. It always cracked us up, but I believe that it worked. Plus my parents have a great sense of humor and are wonderful role models of living in genuine joy through Jesus! Smiling as a habit was one of the best things my parents taught us.

I recently wondered if I don't smile as often as I used to. I love my life dearly, but worry can creep in without my realizing it. Bitterness, jealousy, and other "stinking thinking" are also one thought away from stealing my smile!

No amount of makeup can cover an ugly scowl or a bitter attitude. I'm sure our loved ones are affected when we leave our negative thoughts unchecked. A genuine smile or a bubbling laugh is a gift from God, meant to bless us and others!

For almost a month now, I've been trying an experiment. Every time I sense that I'm frowning, every time I catch a glimpse of my worry lines in the mirror, I smile. Sometimes I just smile with my eyes, other times I crack a big, toothy grin. Sometimes I stick out my tongue or open my mouth weirdly like I'm about to laugh. Sometimes it's funny, and sometimes it feels a little odd. But here's the crazy thing: smiling usually improves my mood, pure and simple. Smiling is fun and can reset your brain.

Smile until we're happy? How weird does that sound? But in Christ, we always have a good reason to smile, no matter our circumstances.

Inside-Out: Truth Inside Must Come Out

If I don't want to smile, it reminds me to "speak the truth in my heart" (Psalm 15:2). Here are some ways to bring a smile:

• I'm grateful for my blessings! As I smile, I look around at what God has provided, giving me more reasons to keep smiling.

• I was created on purpose, for a wonderful purpose. (Psalm 139:13-16)

• I've been saved and forgiven by the blood of Jesus alone!

• God is in control, hallelujah! This one is especially fitting when I've just finished reading something political or equally concerning.

• Sometimes I need to pray for joy. If I'm worried, I need to pray and give that thing to God!

When I least feel like smiling, I need God's Word the most. Smiling through discouragement and reminding myself of how good God is; this is true praise! It may be a tough time to smile, but it can end with tears of joy and hands lifted to the Lord!

David wrote Psalm 63 while in the desert, seeking safety from either King Saul or his rebellious son, Absalom. Yet his mouth is full of God's joy:

Because your love is better than life,    my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live,    and in your name I will lift up my hands.

I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;    with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you;    I think of you through the watches of the night.

Because you are my help,    I sing in the shadow of your wings.

(Psalm 63:3-7. Emphases mine.)

Just smile and see what happens! See if it fixes your thoughts. See if it reveals areas of your life to work on. See if the Lord can transform your heart. May our smiles become a head-to-toe expression of God's undefeatable joy inside of us, bubbling out.

Go ahead! :)