When The Father Smiles

Have you ever ask yourself, "What makes the heavenly Father happy?" While making super the other day, I got to thinking about what makes the Father smile. What are the actions we take or words that we speak that bring joy to his heart? Can our saying no to someone's request for help or their asking us to participate with them in a certain activity cause him to smile? Definitely! A firm "no" where appropriate is one the most powerful words we can utter and brings great joy to the Father's heart. As we seek him for it, our heavenly Father, will give us all that we need to stick to that no. 

Studying Scripture on a daily basis and desiring to know our Father's will so we can do it, brings him great joy. He longs to give us his desires, wisdom, strength and all else that we need to walk victoriously. The heart of the matter truly is a surrendered heart that longs to please him.

Also, no one owes us anything. When someone blesses us we should always verbally express our gratefulness and where possible back it up with kind actions that bless them in return. This kind of lifestyle always brings  a joyous smile to the Father's face. Out of  those thoughts came this poem. May it bless you and bring a smile to your face. Love, Jan

WHEN THE FATHER SMILES

When the Father smiles,

So does Son,

Also, the angels,

And the Father’s disciples,

Filled with joy,

That their beloved is happy!

When the Father smiles,

Darkness flees,

The healing light shines,

Refreshes and renews,

Sets people free,

Brings life!

When the Father smiles,

Fear flees,

Peace reigns,

His embrace comforts,

Brings hope,

Assurance about the future!

When the Father smiles,

He sees our hearts,

Our actions,

And words,

That strive for purity,

To reveal him to others!

Even In The Darkest Night

No matter how oppressive life's circumstances appear, our wonderful Messiah is always right by our side. Even in the darkest night our Good Shepherd's rod and staff are still there to guide and protect us (Psalm 23:4). When the storms of life rage and we can't feel his presence, our Provider still speaks to us of his nearness through his words to us in Scripture where he promises to never leave us or forsake us (Joshua 1:5). The key is to be daily seeking his face through praise and thanksgiving, prayer and Scripture reading. 

EVEN IN THE DARKEST NIGHT

Even in the darkest night,
When we can’t sense your presence,
Sigh with longing,
Cry out for the former closeness,
The sweet intimacy we treasured,
You are there.

Even when negative thoughts torment,
And we become desperate,
Plead to see our sin,
So we can repent,
And restore intimacy,
You are there.

Even in the lowest valley,
Facing the shadow of death,
And we are panic stricken,
Tempted to run,
Or lag behind,
You are there.

In every season of life,
The joyous and the sorrowful,
If we but submit,
You are working in us,
Producing depth of relationship,
It’s so reassuring  to know,
You are always there!