"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss
How are we already through 21 DAYS OF PRAYER? Wow… that came and went super quick. I’m not sure how your experience was during 21 DAYS OF PRAYER, but for me, I’m smiling.
I’m smiling not because of the stories I’ve heard of how God moved in response to the prayers of His people. Yes, I’m smiling because of that, but that’s not really why I’m smiling.
I’m smiling because GOD IS SMILING. I know it’s ‘odd’ to imagine God smiling, but just so you know, GOD SMILES. And the one thing I know for certain (like beyond a shadow of a doubt certain) is that when God’s people pray, GOD SMILES.
Prior to Jesus entering into the waters of baptism, do you know what He was doing? If you guessed ‘prayer’ you are correct.
Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Luke 3:21-22 (NLT)
Did you catch it?
Jesus prays and He hears the affirmation of God that He is loved, and that He brings GREAT JOY to His Heavenly Father.
Let me ask you this, can you tell someone that you love them and that they bring you great joy without a smile on your face? Try it. Seriously, tell someone that you love them and that they bring you great joy and see if you’re able to do that without a BIG SMILE on your face.
GOD SMILES.
Jesus experienced the smile of God. And just in case you did not know, when you go to your Father in prayer, HE SMILES.
21 DAYS OF PRAYER may have come and gone, but what has not come and gone is the SMILE OF GOD. As you continue to grow in cultivating a life of prayer, just know that every time you utter the words… “Dear Heavenly Father…” - GOD IS SMILING.
