Dale Pollard
There’s plenty of evidence that shows the connection between your facial expression and your overall mood—for better or worse. If you’re feeling down, forcing a smile can churn up the brain’s happy juice (Aultman Hospital, “How Smiling Affects Your Brain”). With information that valuable, it shouldn’t surprise us that the Bible gives us so much insight on the concept.
Gladness is a state that can be entered. It’s a choice that can be difficult to make at times, but God points out that it’s still a personal decision.
“Serve the Lord with gladness, come before Him with joyful songs” (Ps. 100.2).
Even if you don’t feel glad, you can enter a state of gladness. Thankfully, it’s contagious. Have you ever felt better because of somebody else’s cheerfulness? God designed it that way.
“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart” (Prov. 15.30).
If you choose to “act happy” your brain will follow—and so will others. The Bible treats the eyes, face, and heart as one system, not different compartments.
If you need some happy pills, “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Prov. 17.22).
If you’re down in the dumps, “A glad heart makes a cheerful face…” (Prov. 15.13).
Humans don’t work this way because of “millions of years of evolution.” Our brains and heart operate like this because our Designer told us as much.
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