In writing to Timothy, Paul said something else we need to hear. In the midst of a challenge to those who have wealth, he spoke of putting our hope in God “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
If we think sometimes that God’s real intention is that we live with a kind of grit-your-teeth, gut-it-out kind of endurance, we need to let Paul’s words change our minds. We live in relationship with a God who “provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
This doesn’t mean that everything we do will be enjoyable. There are certainly days when we have to “resolutely set out for Jerusalem 9:51 ) and do as Jesus did when he leaned into his pain. But it does mean that we need to open our eyes to things that God is providing for us and realize that he gives his gifts for our enjoyment.
Consider one example: If you are in a fellowship of disciples, look around you. God has given you these people for you to enjoy. Sure, there are challenges in relationships, but we need to learn to enjoy our brothers and sisters. We need to enjoy our differences and the special things that each person can bring into our lives. You can focus on the things that annoy you or you can look for things to enjoy, and if you seek, you will find. This week remember to enjoy.
Dear Tom,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such an encouraging meaasge. I realized that, although many difficulties and sufferings indeed around us, we can still choose many things God provide to enjoy. Praise God! I choose to enjoy.
Simon