By Joe McKeever “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God” - Psalm 42:11 A smile is outward evidence that everything inside is in good shape. A smile is visible evidence of the joy of the Lord. Anyone can smile. And everyone should. But those who put faith and trust in the Lord Jesus have more right to smile than anyone. They can number a hundred blessings in their lives as a result of the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ: They’ve been forgiven, cleansed by the blood, and born into the family of God. They are indwelt by the Spirit, overshadowed and undergirded by Him, and surrounded by like-minded disciples. They have the Word of God, the love of God, and the power of God. And so forth. The unsmiling Christian is a contradiction. Why aren’t you smiling? The Lord God is the “Help of your countenance,” according to Psalm 42:11. Whatever else that means–some translations say He is the health of my countenance; others say the salvation of it–it surely means He will make you prettier than you would be otherwise. It’s no stretch to say that sin uglies you. Given enough time, the face will … [Read more...]