A Smiling God

Have you ever wondered what pleases God? What may put a smile on His face? In the movie "Chariots of Fire" the main character is convinced that he was given the gift to run fast and that when he did it pleased God. One of my favorite quotes from that movie is when Eric Liddell says, "When I run fast, I feel His pleasure."

Numbers 6:24-25 (NIV) The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine upon you (read SMILE) and be gracious to you;

Have you ever felt the pleasure of God smiling on you? The passage above was a blessing that Aaron was to give to the Israelites. It is often used today as a blessing on the church at the end of a worship service in some congregations. I wish we used it more often then we do. I even like it as a song even though I get just a little confused in the seven fold amen section. Just thinking of God smiling over us is an awesome.

To look at me now you would not know it but when I was in school I was a track athlete. I ran sprints up through the quarter mile and also long and triple jumped. Some of my fondest memories came when I did my best and won. I felt like I was doing what I was gifted to do and it pleased God.

But there were many times I did not win, in fact more times than not I lost. On those days I do not know if I felt God's pleasure. Paul though says that when we are weak that is when He can be strong in our life (2 Cor 12:10). I never thought about how God could have used my failures in running and jumping. I would just mope around for a while and wish things had turned out differently (like me winning instead of losing).

The idea of God using my human frailty (weaknesses) to bring about his good will is a comforting thought because just like in running I still fail more then I succeed. Nevertheless, to be totally honest I still would prefer being a winner in everything I do but if what Paul says is true then maybe I should thank God for my failures.

Maybe though what God really wants for me and for you too is to trust in Him in all of life's ups and downs. Then whatever we do as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) is what really brings a smile to Gods face.



Roger, over and out!