Forthright Fixation

“Where do we go? Nobody knows…
Don’t ever say your on your way down when,
God gave you style, and gave you grace…
And put a smile upon your face.”

* * *

Isn’t it shameful how often we are downright miserable? Really. I don’t mean crying, or being upset. But just being miserable, inconsolable, in a foul mood. Sometimes I am miserable. And sometimes people in my family get miserable. Because life can be miserable sometimes.

And what does God tell us? There’s a time for mourning, and a time for dancing. Blessed are the poor in spirit. What else does He say?

Don’t worry about tomorrow today.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Generally, I find, when I am miserable, I’m not actively seeking righteousness. Holiness. Misery loves company, I suppose. But the lyrics of the song above convict me. We as Christians ought never ever say we’re “on our way down,” – - or act like it. And sometimes I think we get that way, or we’re sorely tempted to. When we get behind in school. When we fight with our sisters. When everything bad happens at once. And, granted, (being the “good Christian girls” we are) we will often pray, read the Word. I will cry to God and hate myself for how wretched I am when He’s so good.

But there are always those other times. The times where, perhaps, we’re acting miserable without feeling quite so miserable. Where we’re snippy and short without meaning to be. When we get cocky or cynical and must appear miserable to other people. And the catch, for me, is that often I don’t realize it. Quite simply, I often don’t dwell on God enough. I dwell on my emotions, on my problems. I have all this other stuff laying around, collecting dust in my heart, when God longs to get in there with a swiffer. If only I’ll let my heart dwell on Him and the treasures He’s given me!

God gave me style, He gave me grace, and put a smile upon my face. Three essential ingredients, right? But of no use if not used. Gifts from God are like gifts under a tree. We might smile at them and boast of them and never unwrap them at all.

But God has given us such wonderful truths to enjoy. Such blessings. And it’s a shame when we become downright miserable without giving a thought to any of them. Tears shed are healthy and necessary. Low points and heartaches are unavoidable. But misery is something we should always be on the lookout to push against, to combat with the knowledge that God is for us (…who can be against us, right?)….and that He’s good enough, throughout circumstances, to “put a smile upon our face.”

[lyrical credit goes to Coldplay’s “God Put A Smile Upon Your Face”]

Filed under: Joy in Christ