Put a smile on your face and a spring in your step

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”’ ~Numbers 6:22-26 (AMP)

Our countenance is the way we look.  It refers to our face, particularly our facial expressions.  The Lord tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:11 “For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him?” (ESV)  We might not know what is going on in someone else’s heart, but we can discern a lot from their countenance.  One of the blessings that were pronounced upon God's people was that God's face would shine upon them and that He would lift up His countenance upon them.  When we have the countenance of God, we are a light to the world.  That being said, we should all be more concerned about our countenance.  What has your countenance been looking like lately?  Does your countenance carry the presence of God expressing hope, peace, love, and joy?  Or when people look at you do they see worry, turmoil, and frustration?  We can tell people about the peace and joy we experience having a relationship with Jesus, but if we look like a sourpuss most of the time, they might not be interested in meeting Him much less having a relationship with Him. 

Even at Jesus’s lowest points in life, He was still giving glory and praise to the Father.  One of the best ways to allow God’s countenance to shine through us is by participating in praise and worship.  Worshipping God puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step.  It also opens our hearts to embrace the truth that God is our everything!  He is our healer and our deliverer; He is our counselor and our provider.  He is the supply that never runs dry and when it seemingly does, He creates more.  Our Father is the one who makes a way where there seems to be no way.  What are the “no ways” in your life?  Do you believe there is “no way” you will ever be completely healed?  Do you believe there is “no way” your broken heart could ever be mended?  Do believe there is no way you will ever get that promotion or into that school?  Well, what you believe is what you are going to get.  Why not believe that God is your source and every treasure on this earth was placed here for His treasured one and that is you?  Why not take His hand and see yourself climbing up to be elevated above your “no way” and receive the truth about it?  We are children of almighty God, and we should take our position seriously.  When we do, our countenance will change, and we will be transformed into the image of our Lord and Savior!  That image is one of confidence in God who always makes a way where there seems to be no way!  Would people know you were a Christian by looking at your countenance most of the time?  If not, it’s time to make a change.  It’s time to get in God’s presence with some praise and thanksgiving for all He has done and for all He plans to do!

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. ~Psalm 100:2 (NIV)

What are the “now ways” in your life? What does God have to say about them in His word?

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