Let me ask you a question… why is it contrary to popular belief that we should enjoy our lives?
I truly believe the Lord placed us here, surrounded by beauty, surrounded by blessings, surrounded by all of His creation… to enjoy it! To live joyfully. To pursue the things which set our hearts on fire.
Yet, the majority of us simply survive, mundanely, from day to day. We find what feels comfortable, and we wear it out until the only thing it offers is safety. And we sit there. For the rest of our lives. We stop growing, we stop pursuing, and we start sleep walking (often miserably) through life. And not only do we settle for this lifestyle ourselves, but we push the same expectations on others. We shame those who break the mold. We question those who take the leap. But why? I believe it’s because we have allowed the enemy to lie to us far too long. We have adopted a mindset which leads us to believe life is truly mundane, and those who don’t accept that are chasing after unrealistic expectations.
The world tells us- from a very young age- that life is supposed to be hard, we are to expect struggles- hurt- heartbreak- and sickness. And yes, these things are sadly very true. It’s the reality of a broken, sinful world. However… they are only experiences. They do not define life. Jesus has already secured a victory over all things on the cross. Jesus made a way when there appeared to be no way. A way to overcome struggles, to find strength in hurt, to grow through heartbreak, and to find purpose and peace in sickness.
Jesus overcame the world to give us His spirit. A spirit that is full of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23 ). And that’s the same spirit God desires for us to obtain. We cannot, however, exhibit the fruits of the spirit by settling for comfort and safety, ending our pursuit, pausing growth, and accepting the mundane.
We live joyfully, peacefully, gently, faithfully, good, patient, meek, strong, and full of love… by pursuing Christ and His plans. By chasing our calling from the Heavenly Father (those are things which will truly set our heart on fire).
The Bible tells us, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11 KJV
When we travel the road the Lord calls us to, when we follow His direction, when we abide in His presence, rooted in His values… we will expensive pleasure and FULNESS OF JOY. Not a little joy, not a sprinkle, but full & complete joy. A life marked by joy. A life well lived. A life worthy of enjoyment.
I read a quote recently that really stuck out to me. It read, “ you can choose between comfort or calling- the pain of growth or staying where you are.”
The world’s perception does not change the Lord’s direction, but it will try everything to keep you from it.
Chasing your calling might be uncomfortable, others might not understand, and the enemy will most definitely fight against it. But through the scary, risk, and misunderstanding- you will find yourself happy. fulfilled. joyful.
Because nothing in the world is greater or more rewarding than the life the Lord has in store for us, and it’s up to us to fight the fight, run the race, embrace the experience, and enjoy all our days.
