“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. God wills that we should push on into His Presence and live our whole life there”.” (A.W. Tozer “The pursuit of God”).
God actually wants us to find joy in Him.
Psalm 36:7-9 says “How precious is your loving kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings.
They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your pleasures. For with you is the fountain of life.”
There are no diets when it comes to joy in God. He is NOT A LOW CALORIE JESUS!
He wants us to experience the joy of Heaven now on earth. Not caring what everybody else thinks but to choose joy. To live, and not just exist.
Pleasure, and joy is a gateway into God’s presence. It’s where we can eat from the fullness of God’s house, receiving from heaven.
We have been set free to do that.
John 8:36 “So if the Son liberates you (makes you free), then you are really and unquestionably free.”
Galatians 5:1 “In this freedom Christ has made us free (and completely liberated us”).
Jesus tells us “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:7–10).
Who’s the thief? The devil. He is the biggest “killjoy, and party pooper, there is. But too often we just let him waltz right into our lives and allow his schemes and lies to steal from us on a daily basis.
God actually doesn’t need anything from us. Our efforts are not necessary.
He gives us an open invitation to Bliss! Then His life flows in us.
Jesus described it like a vine and it’s branches. When we stay connected to Jesus (the vine) all His goodness, life and joy flows into us (the branches). See John 15:1-8
The Lord loves to see us happy! We touch His heart when we are enjoying life and Him.
We are made in His image, and have an amazing capacity for expansive, massive joy.
You have permission and an invitation to live like that!
Oh but how often do we miss it? We allow stress, strife, worry, fear and every other joy stealer into our life and wonder why we are feeling miserable.
So how do we start enjoying Jesus and the life we have in Him.
Value Jesus. Build into your life reminders to remember Him. Like any relationship you have to put value on it, not taking it for granted. Value and remember Jesus throughout the day.
These reminders are different for everyone – Perhaps it’s when you put on praise and worship music, or when you are reading the bible, Is it a picture of Jesus, nature, or hanging out in your favorite spot to relax. We all need to have things that turn our affections towards Him; where we turn our face towards Him. If we forget him for a few hours, we just need turn to Him again and talk with Him, and be thankful.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8)
What prospers your soul?
3 John 1;2 “Beloved I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers”
What do you enjoy doing, what makes you happy?
You may need to think about this. Some people have forgotten or really struggle to know what prospers their soul. Perhaps try some different hobbies, activities, new places, or simply just slow down to understand what causes your soul to prosper.
The important thing is to “BUILD TRIGGERS OF JOY INTO OUR LIVES”
Learn the “Prayer of Quiet affection”: Don’t have to talk, shouldn’t be a battle. We were made to love Him. We don’t have to have some great revelation or word. Just enjoy His presence – like old friends sitting together on a park bench.
Think on these things – ‘”Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – mediate on these things” (Philippians 4:8)
God spoke to me recently about why it’s so important to think on things that are true, noble, praiseworthy etc.
The beautiful, amazing, I want to give a “shout about” things on earth are “shadows of heaven”. They are meant to trigger us into the realms of the Spirit, and turn our minds and hearts towards heaven!
Today take some time to value Jesus, and all that He is. Do something that prospers your soul. Recollect and centre on Jesus in that place. Thank Him, relax and enjoy knowing that you can actually know God, and that whatever you are facing He is able to handle it.
“For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly), and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection (Philippians 3:10-12 Amplified)
Prayer: Lord you are amazing. Thank you. Thank you for who you are, for all you have done for me, for how you have blessed my life. Remind me to take time today to enjoy the amazing, good things all around me and to choose to focus on these things. I choose Joy today, and I want to tell you today that I love you. In Jesus name Amen.