I admit I am not a theologian, nor well versed in deep Biblical explanations for life. Yet if you, like me, are on social media, you have probably seen memes and little blurbs about smiling and sunshine and positivity. There have been times in my life where the smile on my face puzzled many people.

An example would be when I was walking behind my young, first husband’s casket as it entered the church for his funeral, I had a smile on my face.  Looking at the over 400 friends and family who were standing for the procession, I felt the Holy Spirit surge within me.  I don’t know how else to explain it, but it rushed up from my toes and resonated in a smile.  I was so comforted by the friends and family and so appreciated the love they had for my husband and me, I just smiled. When the choir sang his favorite hymn, How Great Thou Art, I smiled. He is so GREAT!

When many of the attendees returned back to our home, I felt the rush again and know I was smiling. Later, I heard that several believed I must have been medicated, or experiencing some delirium of sorts…. how could I possibly smile? The love and comfort that I felt was like a warm blanket enveloping me. I was loved so unconditionally by our Lord and was embraced by so many, the Holy Spirit just stirred up a smile.  Did I ever cry? Of course, I did…. sobbing would be more accurate, but there were those times that were not “me” when the Spirit gave me amazing peace and heavenly love.

You’ve probably heard the expression, “God works in mysterious ways.” Well, I don’t have any other explanation for those smiles that came from within me. Philippians 4:6-7” Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Talk to Him. Tell Him your concerns, allow Him to displace your worry.

Jill