Ps 67:1 May God be merciful and bless us. May his face smile with favor on us.
Why smile? It is an emotional response that crosses all barriers of culture, race and society. When we smile it releases happy hormones such as endorphins. This in turn makes the brain happy then this signals facial muscles to contract which then stimulates our reward system and increases the level of happy hormones. A smile is a superpower for our life. It is used by many of us but children smile as many as 400 times a day.
Smiling is a universal conversation starter and even crosses language barriers. During times of devastating news a smile reassures another that you are there for them. Studies show when a person feels happy stress is automatically reduced. Smiling has a psychological effect and makes us more trustworthy. We appear more likable and create a more positive atmosphere. A frown or neutral expression causes the opposite.
Smiling is contagious due to the mirror neurons in our brain. When I smile and praise God he is pleased. This special exchange we share is precious and should be shared with others. When we smile, it shows we want to bless others with joy. If we receive all this pleasure from smiling why can’t God? I can’t imagine how much joy God receives from our smile.
Jena Kleinpeter 