The Ability To Enjoy

Wednesday November 23, 2022
 

In the past, one of the lies we bought into was that the party life was where the greatest enjoyment of living could be found.  Later, caught in the slavery of our addiction, we found out just how wrong we had been.  The good news is that it is not too late to change and have a life full of joy.  In fact, it's the life that God created us to live.  As we surrender our will and life into God's care, we have the assurance of ever-deepening joy and well-being coming alive in us. 

And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.  (Ecclesiastes 5:19 NLT) 

This does not mean the absence of problems to face, challenges to overcome, and strained emotions to go along with that.  However, it does mean that in any ordinary day we will find ourselves becoming more and more aware of things we are grateful for.  We will recognize beauty in ways we previously did not.  We will feel the joy of honouring and being honoured as we notice and celebrate new character qualities in one another.  We will laugh at our mistakes instead of being lost in fear and shame because of them.  Surrendering to God and receiving forgiveness for our sin and rebellion will bring us relief, freedom, and great joy. We will be amazed at what Jesus achieved for us on the cross and by His resurrection. Simple pleasures will bring a smile to our hearts as well as our faces. 


For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
  (Romans 14:17 NLT)

Each day, as we allow ourselves to be embraced by the love of God, fear and insecurity will slip away and the ability to enjoy work, family, nature, and recreation will fill us up.  We will be blessed by God to enjoy life to the full.

Prayer:  Loving God, Thank You for calling me to a life that is filled with peace and joy. I surrender my life into Your hands and trust You for ongoing healing.  I give thanks for the finished work of Jesus and for the ability to enjoy the good gifts You continue to give to me.  Amen

©2022 Partners in Hope 

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