A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. (Proverbs 15:13 ESV)
Bursting Out
I once played Mr. Spock in a very amateur elementary school drama based on the television show Star Trek. I still remember how difficult it was not to smile when playing the emotion-restrained alien. He was my favorite!
I was just so happy to be portraying Mr. Spock, that the ends of my mouth kept creeping up. My eyes twinkled. My voice was cheery, and on the edge of laughter.
I was just so happy, content, and excited that I could not help it.
When I remember Grace, Christ’s cross, God’s mercies, and God’s love, the same thing happens. Yes, life is hard and we want to grieve. Yes, we see darkness in the corner, and out of the corner, and we want to frown. Yes, we know our pain, and the pain of others, and we want to weep.
And all of those responses are legitimate, understandable, and real.
But on TOP of them… we can have hearts that burst with laughter. We get to believe God’s goodness is more forceful than evil. We who know Christ… His love, His power, His plans, His end-plans… we get to smile. Sometimes just a bit. Sometimes unwillingly. Sometimes shyly.
I portrayed a poor Mr. Spock because I was too happy. Christians portray a poor Eeyore because God is with us.