3:16 – Smile, You’ll Be Happier

#faithbites #faithjourney smile

Lost your way, lost your cool

Then you straight up lost your mind

Tried so hard to stay ahead

But you keep falling behind

Life is gonna pull you down

Make it hard to see

But a little change in your point of view

Could be just what you need

Sidewalk Prophets

Like many #faithbites, this is inspired by music, Smile by the Sidewalk Prophets. The lyrics hooked me at first. Life is hard and so many things make us lose our minds. But no matter what, we have something to smile about: Jesus.

Now, before we get into Jesus, think about this for a minute. Actually, dont think, just make yourself smile. You start to feel a little better instantly. Our body is built to smile. Sure, we don’t always feel like it, but finding something even in the darkness to smile about, can change our direction.

Scripture

• Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. – Psalm 34:5
• He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting. – Job 8:21
• Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. – Psalm 37:3

Reflection

We are chosen and loved by God. A smile reminds us of his love for us. No matter what is going on in your life, there is something to smile about.

Now, stop one more time. Smile. Really smile and see how you feel. From Psychology Today,

Each time you smile, you throw a little feel-good party in your brain. The act of smiling activates neural messaging that benefits your health and happiness. For starters, smiling activates the release of neuropeptides that work toward fighting off stress (3). Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that allow neurons to communicate. They facilitate messaging to the whole body when we are happy, sad, angry, depressed, or excited. The feel-good neurotransmitters—dopamine, endorphins and serotonin—are all released when a smile flashes across your face as well (4). This not only relaxes your body, but it can also lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

So go ahead and get that dopamine release. It’s a gift from God.

Challenge

Simple Challenge: Smile. If you are feeling down, just smile.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your spirit and giving us a reason to smile. Not only do give us a reason to smile, you help us feel better. Remind us always to smile for we have been saved in Jesus. Amen.