Today Is a Verb: Open the Gift of NowSample

Enjoy Life God’s Way

Perhaps genuine enjoyment is one of the most overlooked rhythms of a committed Christian life. We falsely believe that denying ourselves all sorts of simple pleasures is somehow a more sacred, holy way to live. The truth is we bring pleasure to the Father’s heart when we bask in the wonder of all that He has generously given to us. Enjoying life is not a sin, but it just may be a vital aspect of the Father’s strategy to help us stay afloat in a sea of difficulties and challenges.

When we are enjoying the right things, our lives will reflect a purposeful sparkle and a contented glow. When we prioritize enjoying the wrong things, we will discover, as Solomon did, that this type of enjoyment is mere futility. Possibly the true dilemma is not whether we should live a life of enjoyment but exactly what is ours to enjoy.

Certain activities, relationships, and opportunities are given to us for sheer delight and pleasure. We are meant to benefit from them in a meaningful and impressive way. As we realize that every good gift is from above, we are then able to fully enjoy the life that is ours.

The world’s way has never been God’s way, and we must wisely choose for ourselves what God has given to us to enjoy. The world has concocted a false narrative on how to enjoy the years we have been given. Perhaps you have heard some of these twisted philosophies coming from our culture:

• You only live once!
• If it feels good, do it!
• Live your best life!
• Live your own truth!
• Do what makes you happy.

The deception in all of those life philosophies is that the focus is on self-importance, self-satisfaction, and self-entitlement. But the only way to truly enjoy life is to incorporate God into every moment, every decision, every relationship, and every thought.

Meaningful Moment

Spend the hours of today intentionally looking for things to enjoy. At the end of the day, make a list of gratitude for the things you discovered.

Daily Declaration

“I declare that today I will enjoy my life. I will smile at children and sing the songs of faith. I will forgive others, and I will encourage people in my pathway. This is the day the Lord has made! I will rejoice and be glad in it!”