Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was originally posted on December 6, 2014.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“A Mark of What’s Really Going on in our Hearts”

Proverbs 15:30-33

“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and good news refreshes the bones. 31 The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. 32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. 33 The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

Solomon made many keen observations about life. One of my favorites is found in Proverbs 15:30 in which the king says those who have a heart that rejoices will have light in their eyes, a twinkle in their eye, if you will. That’s what joy does: giving us a spark or a glow about us.  In a world full of unhappy people, this joyous disposition in the believers can truly set them apart for Christ.

While the Bible says we are not to judge a person according to appearance (Jn. 7:24), it is also true that what’s in the soul of a person is often reflected in his countenance. If we are always frowning or always looking sad, it may be an indication of what’s going on in our hearts. And if we are quick to smiling and have serenity about our lives, that, too, can be a mark of what’s going on in our hearts. 

Now, one of the ways we learn to gain this disposition of joy is through a reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord (verse 33). When we approach God with a humble attitude, God in turn will honor us for it. There will be a sense of his overwhelming grace and love in any situation we may find ourselves. When we strive to have a proper attitude of holy fear before God, we will find ourselves receiving God’s favor and grace. When His favor is on us, His wisdom will be evident in our lives. People will know God’s favor is on us because they will feel blessed in our presence. They will find themselves wanting to be joyful along with us. This is the twinkle to which the Bible speaks of. 

So be joyous today, knowing that God knows and cares about you.

Bible Reading for Today: John 18-19