Storyteller, humorist, and radio personality Garrison Keillor said in a presentation at Goshen College, “Some people think it’s difficult to be a Christian and to laugh, but I think it’s the other way around. God writes a lot of comedy; it’s just that he has so many bad actors.” Too often when Christians gather together, many of them appear to have spent the morning sucking on lemons. Haven’t they been redeemed by the free grace of a loving God? Where is their joy? Why doesn’t it show?

A glad heart makes a cheerful face.

Proverbs 15:13

Without doubt, the tribulations and toils of the day are burdensome and difficult for many. That’s when a shift in focus is called for. Like the early church in Ephesus, they’ve forgotten the joy of their salvation – their first love. Gladness of heart, if it is there, hasn’t translated to their faces.

Know that cheerfulness is a choice. A smile takes fewer muscles to produce than a frown, and it even brings light to the eyes. Vow to be a smiling, if not downright cheerful, Christian. It could be contagious. As you ask the Lord to help you, intercede for the Christians on Capitol Hill to be enthusiastic for their faith and a light to those around them.

Recommended Reading: Revelation 2:1-7