Joy

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.   ~   I Timothy 6:17

God wants us to enjoy life!  He wants us to enjoy our relationship with Him!  In the past some have painted a picture of Christianity as being low-key, can’t have much fun, and you probably should be kind of sad most of the time.  Not true!!

We believers should enjoy serving God.  However, there are some things that will hinder you from enjoying your relationship with God.  One thing is condemnation.  Always being down on yourself because you’re not perfect yet.  Get a clue…  you’re not!  Now, that’s not an excuse to live a sloppy life, but on your road to reaching for perfection give yourself a break.

Another thing is caring the cares of this life.  You’re not big enough to solve all your problems so why not let Father God take care of those things that concern you?  Another thing that will keep you from enjoying your relationship with God is a lack of trust in God’s guidance.  If you’re always concerned about your future you can’t enjoy the present.  Trust God to lead your life.

Lastly, legalism will strip you of joy.  Legalism is striving to obtain by works what God has provided by grace.  Quit striving and start enjoying the blessings of God.  If you’re a legalist you’ll always feel like you’re coming up short because you can never do enough.  Stop frustrating God’s grace in your life and just enjoy the wonderful relationship He has freely given to you!

Happy is that people, that is in such a case:  yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.  ~  Psalm 144:15

If you were to ask people, “Where is the happiest place on the earth?”  you’d probably hear answers like Disneyland, a football game, or kids would probably say Chucky Cheese!  But the happiest place on earth is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ!  It’s where more love, more joy, more peace, more blessing is offered — more than anywhere else.

So why aren’t God’s people always the happiest people on the planet?  It’s because they are not partaking of what’s available.  Even a child wouldn’t be happy if you took him to Chucky Cheese and just made him sit there and never enter into what’s available.  But one thing I’ve noticed…   those who do enter in are always happy.  So truly the Church IS the happiest place on earth, but YOU must enter in and enjoy what’s been provided!

For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world…..   ~  II Timothy 4:10

What a sad statement this is.  Paul’s companion and fellow minister decided he missed what the world had to offer.  So he forsook and left one of the greatest ministries the world has ever known.  What opportunities he missed by leaving!

As a pastor I see this happen to people.  They love the things of the world more than they love God.  Perhaps they don’t see it that black and white, but that is the reality of it.  Because of this they miss many wonderful things the Lord wants to do in their lives.  They come to church for awhile, but then something they want to do becomes more important than serving God.  The sad thing is the happiness they think the world will give them it can’t really supply.

Only God our Father can provide us with true joy and happiness that will last.  So the next time you’re tempted to love this present world just say NO !