Avis WooleyMost people who believe in God think of him as having a serious expression all the time. Well, I beg to differ with that mindset. Did you know that God can show expressions as we do? We are created in his image. The Bible tells us, “So God created man in is own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” Genesis 1:27. We have arms, legs, hands, teeth, mouth, and yes, a face, just like God. Our facial expressions signify how we are affected by events, words, and actions: so is God.
We won’t dwell on this expression, but he can show anger and displeasure. When our ways displease and dishonor him, he shows us the unpleasant side. He does not take pleasure in showing his rage. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of his angry expression. When he gets angry, he pours out wrath and allows terrible things to consume us.
I look forward to pleasing him, becoming the recipient of a delighted face with a smile. God smiles when our ways please him. When we speak of his extraordinary acts, he smiles. God smiles when we worship him in spirit and truth. Obedience causes him to smile. He smiles when we trust him. He smiles when we speak and trust him during our difficult times.
Here are some encouraging scriptures. They tell of how God takes pleasure in us. Anytime someone or something pleases us, it put a smile on our face, and so it does with God. As you read the scriptures, know that God is watching and is smiling at you just now
- Psalm 147:11 “The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”
- Luke 12:32 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
- Psalm 35:27 “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
- Psalm 67 “(To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song.) God be merciful unto us, and bless us; cause his face to shine (smile)upon us; Selah.
Avis D. Brownlee-Wooley
