“There is a spiritual economy that insists on a life investment. Our time. Our money. Our resources. Our relationships.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 6, 2021
So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
On a recent silent prayer retreat a friend asked me to pray and ponder this question, “What is the one thing in your life right now that God wants you to know?” As I walked along the crest of a mountain in north Georgia, this thought came to my mind: Enjoy Me. Enjoy My creation. And enjoy life’s journey. So I asked myself, “What does it mean to enjoy?” From the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, “To feel or perceive with pleasure; to take pleasure or satisfaction in the possession or experience of.” What a grand and comforting idea, to take pleasure in the presence of my Savior and Lord Jesus, as I reflect on His creation and the pinnacle of His creation, His people. To take pleasure in the Lord as we journey and enjoy life makes a life full of purpose knowing the best is yet to come!
Solomon describes the futility of competing pleasures, but finds ultimate enjoyment in God. When I feel His pleasure in my life—it is life that is truly life—enjoying My Creator and His creation while resting in His will. Food, drink and work are life experiences, but are not meant to be the focus of life. If pleasure is defined only by these three then enjoyment evaporates in short order—never satisfied only craving bigger and better. Enjoyment focused on the eternal invites an ongoing pleasure found in pleasing the Lord. Enjoy God by loving and obeying God.
“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval” (John 6:27).
Your work at home and in the marketplace is important, but not most important. Labor most of all in your love for the Lord and people and you will find a deeper, eternal satisfaction. There is wisdom, knowledge and joy that only come by daily walking with Christ and observing the little things in life. The coo of an infant, the laugh of a child, a calm sunrise, a restful sunset, a gentle rain and meaningful conversation. Find pleasure in the plain and simple and resist perpetually looking for the next thrill that only brings temporary fulfillment at best. Instead, enjoy Jesus!
So, how can we enjoy life’s journey? There is a spiritual economy that insists on an investment of a life. Our time. Our money. Our resources. Our relationships. Intentional eternal investments generate blessings to be enjoyed in this life. So we invest love and we enjoy the dividends of being loved. We refresh others and we enjoy refreshment. We give abundant financial gifts, and we prosper in the joy of generosity. Most of all, when we love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul and body, we enjoy the Lord’s love in all our being. And in the process, life’s journey is a joyful flow, as we suffer through sorrow and sadness. We enjoy God, knowing we bring Him joy.
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I long to enjoy you, and all you bring my way, all for your glory in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Consider reading John Piper’s sermon notes on seeking our joy in God.
Related Reading
Romans 12:16, 15:24; Ephesians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Timothy 2:22
Worship Resource
Maverick City (feat. Majesty Rose): Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
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