Filled With Joy

Elaine Utting

Smiling is good for us

This poem was inspired by an incident on a busy city street - a beaming smile from a stranger who then disappeared in the crowd:

Smiling is infectious
You catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner
And someone saw my grin.
When he smiled, I realised
I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about my smile and then
I realised its worth.
A single smile like mine could travel
right around the earth.

If you feel a smile begin
Don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick
And get the world infected.

‘A Smile’ by Jez Alborough. From his book ‘Shake Before Opening’, 1991

Nik said something similar as he gave out the notices in church last Sunday. He said that small acts of kindness can change the atmosphere.

He was talking about our yearly Vineyard Donut Giveaway at the November Fireworks on The Stray - a free donut and one of our cards that says: ‘just wanted to say that God loves you’.

It can be hard, when you are living through serious difficulties, to face the world with a smile.

But apparently the physical act of smiling, even if it’s a deliberate effort rather than spontaneous, helps you to feel happier and healthier. Smiling, whatever the motivation, somehow releases ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body. And it’s amazing - God made us that way.

That must be why the Bible encourages us to find joy in Him whatever our circumstances.

When we are facing opposition:

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! (….or in the Amplified version: be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy ….) I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (NIV)

When we are tempted to wander from God’s best for us:

The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain and easy on the eye.
Psalm 19:8 (MSG)

Even when we’re feeling sad, because we feel we’ve messed up -

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

And of course when things are going well:

How we laughed and sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, glorious things! What wonder! What joy!
Psalm 126: 2-3 (TLB)

We can even make God smile as we turn to Him:

Look down on us, your face aglow with joy and love
Psalm 80:19 (TLB)

Smile your blessing smile: that will be our salvation.
Psalm 80:19 (MSG)

May you feel God’s joy in you this week, and may your week be blessed and full of smiles.