Enjoy

I am blessed so often when I get a call from one of my grandkids needing a ride to or from someplace…and I love it because it is pure joy to get to see them and catch up a little (if they are in a talking mood) on what is going in in their lives on that particular day. You too have little moments when life has dropped you sparks of happiness that just perk you up.  But there is a joy that God has called us to have that doesn’t just last for a little while but for a lifetime.  

There is something that is referred to in our church and probably yours too that is called the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and in those writings the initial question was: What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

(In researching a little history about this Catechism, I found the following explanation: The Westminster Catechisms were prepared by committees of the Westminster Assembly. The Shorter Catechism of Westminster was presented to the House of Commons 5 November, 1647. The Shorter Catechism of Westminster was printed in the United States of America, Boston in 1765 before the American Declaration of Independence.) So there you have the background of the truth that has been projected to me for years.

So what does the bible say about “glorifying God and enjoying him forever”?

To glorify God is to set God highest in our thoughts, out of respect for his character, majesty, sovereignty, love, grace, forgiveness etc. 

Glorifying God is showing:

Adoration of God and being in awe for who he is and what he has done, is doing and will do.He is due praise and worship from all of us not just on Sundays but throughout the day. Sing songs of praise; for God is always listening and rejoices to hear your voice.

Appreciation of God is thanking God for all he has done. Not just an occasional thank you but one that is mentioned all day long...I even thank him for helping me find away around traffic or finding a parking place, or helping me remember things I know I should. And thank him for the tough times...for each of those come with God's lessons to grow us.

Affection is truly loving God more that you do your spouse, your kids your best friends, etc. Running to him as the one who loves you more or than anyone of this earth. And as a side note…he created you and  I and knows us and our inner thoughts as no one else does.  He understands our ways and how to help us navigate our lives …if only we would ask and listen and move according to his direction and not our controlling nature.

God is our go-to for comfort and encouragement and to set us free from the baggage that we carry.  He has offered us JOY, true and lifelong joy amid all uncertainty. For as Christians our destiny is secure in God’s heavenly eternity. As we glorify Him we are able to enjoy him forever.    

I cannot begin to count the times I have put God on the back burner while I am cooking up things to worry about, challenges to meet, emotions that need to be dismissed or contained, or a quest for significance.  If only I would do what the bible tells me to do.  Glorify God….and ENJOY GOD! For When I do take time to look around, I realize that HIS eyes are everywhere and his deeds of love, grace, oversight and direction are far too many to count. 

His joy is before me, if only I will take the time to reflect on it.  That "joy" that comes from our loving God is ever-present when we keep him front and center. It is amazing how so many of the things that we have allowed to overshadow our thoughts become-dulled and almost muted when God we give God his place on our front burner..  

The little joys that God sends us during our daily walks are temporary spays of happiness, but true and lasting joy comes in knowing God and trusting him and giving HIM credit for strengthening us during the hard times, guiding us through mazes of life, and promising that his love has no bounds and is unconditional even in the midst of our darkness and unsuitable behavior. 

It is also not just about what God does but WHO he is; the Kings of all kings, one and only true God, who sent his son Jesus on our behalf to conquer our sins, and who set a path for us to directly engage with royalty beyond our comprehension.  As Christians, our joy is not found in our possessions or accomplishments; rather, it is found in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:20 

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 

John 15:11

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 Romans 15:13

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4,

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” 

Psalm 16:11

As Christians, our joy is not found in our possessions or accomplishments; rather, it is found in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Right?Right!

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!

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