John 10:10 - The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (AMPC)
John 10:10 - The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (AMPC)
Most of us who have a relationship with the Lord know that God is life. We also probably know that Jesus said that his words are spirit and life.
John 6:63b - And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (NLT)
But more often than not, and maybe it’s because of the translation of the Bible we are reading, many of us forget that the life that God brings is not ONLY about an awakening, a freshness or newness found in life. In today’s verse, Jesus tells us that he has come so that we can have an abundant and enjoyable life. This means that on top of having a new life, we are supposed to enjoy this new life. Our life in Christ includes sacrifice but it also includes joy and enjoyment.
Our lives should include times of rest and pampering. It will only ever be the enemy who makes us feel guilty about a period of rest, fun and relaxation. If the earth and everything in it belongs to our Father, why should we not enjoy it?
Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. (NLT)
Why shouldn’t we go on nice holidays? Or enjoy craft days at home with our children? Or go to the cinema, take a stroll in the park, watch the sunset, go camping or lie in once in a while? I once read something that made me laugh. Someone was asked, ‘How do you connect with God?’ Their response was ‘By sleeping.’ At the time, I thought it was a funny but silly response. But recently the Holy Spirit reminded me of this verse:
Psalm 127:2 - In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (NIV)
Sleep, like so many things, is a gift from God for us to enjoy!
As with everything, too much enjoyment is problematic and hard work is a biblical principal. But many of us, probably need to take a minute to simply enjoy the life we have now in the present and strive less for the life we want in the future.
Questions to reflect on: Do I enjoy the life I have in Christ? Do I strive more than I rest? What one step can I take today to make my life more restful and enjoyable?
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