Amid tragedy or loss, a smile can seem almost painful. Amid anger or sin, a smile can feel fake. Amid victory or joy, a smile comes easily and without thought. In a few days, on June 15th, an unusual holiday will take place. National Smile Power Day may find you in the throes of mourning or in the midst of victory. Either way, you may find yourself more willing to smile that day!
Even as a little girl, one of my favorite things to contemplate was God’s smile. Because I’m thoroughly human, I tend to want to view God in a human way, a familiar way. It’s not hard for me to picture the Lord God with a beaming smile.
I know, however, that there are many times in life when you do not feel the warmth of God’s smile. Perhaps you picture Him with a furrowed brow and clicking pen, taking note of all your failures. Or perhaps you see Him far off, distant from all your struggles. Well, my beloved sister, I want to tell you about the colors of Gods smile.
It sounds like a silly notion… unless the turned-up lips are coated with bright red lipstick, how can one’s smile have a color? I’ll tell you!
Though you may not be face to face with our Heavenly Father, basking in His beaming grin, you can see it in so many other places. What are the colors of God’s smile?
God’s smile is green. Step outside today and see the tall trees overhead. The green leaves smother the dark brown branches, covering them and seemingly to wave at you. I see God’s smile as green when I view creation as His delight. Genesis 1 declares God’s creation as good. Even now, after the Fall of Man, we can see reflections of our Creator and His goodness in His creation.
God’s smile is yellow. The sun burns in the day, shining light wherever it can. The warmth of it brings joy and refreshment to those it reaches. I see God’s smile as yellow when I thank Him for being the Light of my life in dark times, much like the bright yellow sun in midday. Psalm 19:1-2 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.”
God’s smile is blue. Look at the deep blue oceans churn and recall God’s faithfulness. I see God’s smile as blue when I remember Psalm 89:9 when it says, “You rule the raging sea; when its waves surge, you still them.” God brings peace where chaos seems to reign. He smiles calmly, knowing His power will have the last word.
God’s smile is red. When I consider the smile of the Lord, I can’t help but realize just how loving the Father was toward the Son, Jesus Christ. In Matthew 17:5, we find God declaring how pleased he is with His Son. I see God’s sorrow-filled smile in the spilling of His Son’s red blood. He knows grief. He knows sacrifice. But through that pain, He brought salvation for the world.
Where ever you see God’s smile today, in whatever color or sound or smell, recognize God’s presence and sovereignty. He is near to you, Beloved. Let that truth provoke a smile on your face today as well.
Meet the Author!
Hannah Hanzel is an opinionated, passionate gal that loves sharing what God is doing in her often busy and complicated life. She strives to show God's glory in working as the Art Director for the Baptist Messenger, serving as a multi-client freelance graphic designer, and communing with CRBC. When she's not working, you can find her sipping coffee in a hammock, watching classic '40s movies, or going on an adventure with friends or family.
