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by Gary Sims
10/21/03
Not For Sale
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The Psalms
Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22) – Smiling for God
Key Verses: (MSG)

1: “I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with His praise.” – Once again, David presents an image that illustrates his passion and love for God.
2: “I live and breath God; if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy.” – A song of praise, especially during times of struggle, is the best way to grow close to God.
4: “God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.” – David sought the Lord and God reciprocated in kind; releasing his fears and anxiety.
5: “Look at Him; give Him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from Him.” – What a clear and uncomplicated relationship: Look God in the eye, smile, and open your heart to His love.
6: “When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.” – God wants us to turn to Him in times of need.
8: “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.” – Experience God’s goodness with all your senses, with your entire being.

Points to Contemplate:

Do you praise God every chance you get? Or are you reserved; held in check? When you do lift up songs of praise, does it make you feel closer to God? If so, why not let your “lungs expand with His praise” more often? Do you think God only wants to hear your praise on the occasional Sunday morning when the choir is singing one of your favorite hymns? Or do you think God wants you to awake each morning with a song of praise on your heart? Does He want you to lift joyous praise while in the car, or at work, or in school? Do you think He wants to here from you as you wind down your day, thanking Him for the many blessings and opportunities He had provided you?
Do you give God your “warmest smile?” Think about how inviting a warm smile is from a friend or loved one. Do you see how God wants to be invited into your life in this way? Is it possible to hide anything behind a smile or is it the openness it represents that makes it so inviting? Do you recognize how contagious a smile can be? Think about your “smile life.” Are you smiling enough? Are there things you can do to become more open to God and to the people around you so that your smile defines who you are?
When do you cry out to God? When you are desperate or in tight spots? When you feel alone or disconnected from God or from others? When you feel that you are drowning in the issues of life? During these times David suggests opening up to God’s love – taste and see how good God is? Have you opened your entire being to God’s love? Can you taste, feel, see, smell, and hear His presence? What areas in your life have you closed off from Him? Are you ready to open all aspects of your life to His love? Will you run to Him with arms open wide?

Promise of the Gospel:

"Happy are those who take refuge in the Lord.” This psalm of David teaches us that we are not to simply turn to God during good times or with feelings of well-being. Praising God at all times, especially during times of struggle, helps us, repairs us, heals us, and makes us whole. When we invite God into our lives with an open smile, when we turn to experience His love with every aspect of our being, then we are blessed beyond our imagination. God comes to us with His arms opened wide to comfort, guide, and love us through all things and through all time. Smile – God loves you.

FUMC Devotionals

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