On occasion, Mason and I think about adding a dog to our household. We’ve even gone so far as to bring an adoptable dog into our home for a weekend. That didn’t turn out so well. Our home has been pet-free for two years now and most of the time we enjoy the peace and calm. But on occasion, we yearn for the companionship of a good dog.

However, when we come across a pet shop, we always wander through to see what the critters are up to. And nearly every time, we leave with a smile on our face. I mean, really, who could resist smiling at this young pup?

I like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite (a quote from Buddy the Elf). I could list hundreds of things that make me smile. Ah ha moments. Children laughing. A beautiful sunrise. Snow on the mountains. A pat on the back. A joke. A baptism. That special song. Thoughts of loved ones. A gentle breeze. See I could go on and on.

My favorite portrayals of Jesus are those of Him smiling. I haven’t seen many, but those I recall are imprinted upon my memory. The rise of His cheeks. The lines around His eyes crinkling. A twinkle in His eye. All from a smile. I look forward to the day when I see Jesus face to face and find great joy in His smile.

There are passages of Scripture that speak of God smiling. We don’t find this word in all versions, but the New Living Translation seems to have chosen this word more times than some of the other traditional version. Take a look.

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT) is probably the passage you’re recognize the most. “May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you h is favor and give you his peace.”

When Jacob returned to his homeland to see his brother Esau, he spoke these words. “And what a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” (Genesis 33:10 – NLT) Maybe Jacob hadn’t seen God’s face, but I believe he thought God smiled.

King David spoke of God’s smile in Psalm 4:6 (NLT). When good is difficult to see in this world, we can follow David’s suggestion. These words should be on your lips. “Let your face smile on us, Lord.”

Again in Psalm 67, King David wrote these words. “May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.” (Psalm 67:1 – NLT)

And yet one more from David. Psalm 85:11 (NLT) pronounces that “truth springs up from the earth and righteousness smiles down from heaven.”

While this next verse speaks of an earthly king, I believe we can see God written all over it! “When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.” (Proverbs 16:15 – NLT) How blessed we are when God smiles.

Finally, we see Daniel asking God to smile once again. “O our God, hear your servant’s prayer! Listen as I plead. For your own sake, Lord, smile again on your desolate sanctuary.” (Daniel 9:7 – NLT) Israel had forsaken God and through years of exile learned that there was no life outside of God’s will. Daniel’s prayer was not only for himself, but for all of Israel. God’s mercy was great and He smiled once again upon those who were called by His Name.

Perhaps you are in this land of exile. You’ve chosen to rebel against the One who has done remarkable things in your life. If that’s the case, why not repent of your rebellion and ask the Lord to smile upon you once again? Seek the refreshment and life that can only be found through the smile of the King.

Smiling is my favorite, especially when it’s from the Lord God Almighty. Let Your face smile upon us Lord!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna