Enjoy Life as God Intended
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 10:10
What do you think is required to have an enjoyable and full life? Certainly life can be difficult if we are always complaining, angry, fearful, worried, or impatient. Our jobs may be unsatisfying, our health may be poor, we may have family problems, financial problems, we may have addictions, or marital problems. All of these are serious and can certainly steal the enjoyment of life. How does the Lord expect us to have a full life when our lives are full of problems?
Can we depend on the world to provide the elements of a fulfilling life? It’s actually the problems of this fallen world that take away peace and contentment and fill us with worry, impatience, and anger. Therefore if the Lord wants us to have life to the full, then he must be the one who provides this full life for us. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. The apostle Paul learned to be content in every circumstance, even though he had been flogged, shipwrecked, stoned, and spent many years in prison before being executed by Nero. With all these troubles, how could he be content in all circumstances?
Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be in the presence of our Lord? I think his infinite love, peace, and joy would radiate throughout our souls and destroy all fear, anger, and discontentment. But we cannot be in the presence of the Lord until we step into eternity. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). If we have lasting peace then we should be able to enjoy life; so how do we get this lasting peace?
The Holy Spirit brings us love, peace, and joy that are available to us forever because the Spirit is with us forever. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As our souls becomes closer to the Spirit and as our minds are renewed to the mind of Christ, the fruit of the Spirit becomes the new nature of our lives. We walk with a heart of love, peace, joy, and all the fruit of the Spirit. This is how we can enjoy life because the Spirit has made us Christ-like and keeps us closely connected to the Lord. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3). The more we trust the Lord, meaning that we walk as his servants and we let God be the master, the more our souls are at rest and peace.
Today enjoy life, trusting the Lord to guide you through the day walking in Godly wisdom with your thoughts, words and actions. Know that the Lord is with you and that he desires to help you through every detail of your life today. So today, depend on the Lord instead of depending on yourself.
Let’s Pray: Lord thank you for giving me peace and joy from the Spirit so I can enjoy life in this world the way you intended. Help me to remain focused on you and your will, so I can walk in your wisdom and with a heart of love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.