Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Jesus told people to be of good cheer – sometimes in the direst of circumstances. The life lesson is that although on the surface it may not look like we have anything to be cheerful about, maybe we do.
Jesus told a paralytic, “Be of good cheer!” Why? “…because your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2) We have God’s forgiveness and pardon.
Jesus told His disciples who thought He was a ghost walking on the water, “Be of good cheer!” Why? “…[Because] it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) We have Christ’s presence so we have nothing to fear.
Jesus told His disciples, “Be of good cheer!” Why? “…[Because] I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus said that because He has overcome the world, we can have peace in the midst of trouble.
So no matter what we are going through, we always have Christ’s pardon, presence, and peace. That may not make us feel like laughing, but it should at least make us smile. Even during hard times, we should be able to muster a faint smile – and there simply is no excuse for not smiling when things are going well in our lives.
What better way to show we are Christians than by smiling? Studies show that even forced smiles have a positive effect on the people smiling and those around them. Smiling is a universal language everyone understands. Smiles are contagious. Smiles are proven to reduce stress and anxiety, release endorphins, and strengthen the immune system.
I’m not saying we need to grin like idiots all the time, but William Barclay said, “A gloomy Christian is a contradiction of terms.” At times Christians might be sad or somber, but they should never be gloomy. Gloomy means having nothing to look forward to and a pessimistic outlook on life. Think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh who says, “Sure the sun is shining now, but I’m sure it will rain.” Or when someone said, “Good morning,” Eeyore replied with, “If it is a good morning, which I doubt.” Unfortunately, I’ve known some Christians like that!
Consider this… Paul said that Christians can be sorrowful, yet still rejoice. (2 Corinthians 6:10) If we truly understand and appreciate Christ’s pardon, presence, and peace, we can smile! Jesus said to be of good cheer. I don’t think He meant it as a suggestion.
Ideas for practicing this choice…
Each day you wake up, force yourself to smile. It helps set your mood for the day.
Before you answer the phone, smile. It will make a difference in your voice tone.
For one day, draw a smiley face on the back of your hand and every time you look at it force yourself to smile. (I recommend ink, which will come off with rubbing alcohol. If you use permanent marker you may be smiling for a month. Although worse things could happen.)
Force yourself to smile a little at people you meet throughout the day. Don’t overdo it or they’ll think you are up to something.
If you feel yourself getting gloomy whisper, “I have Christ’s pardon, presence, and peace.” Then smile and say, “Thank you, Lord!”
