I’ve been preaching a series of messages from Luke 8:14 about removing the thorns that choke out the word/work of God in our lives. All three thorns are present in my life: anxiety, money’s lies, and inferior pleasures. As I preached on the last thorn today, I seem to be hearing God say again to me, “Andy, you’re not happy enough.” What kind of a God is concerned about the gladness of his followers? The God of the Bible! In His presence is joy and eternal pleasures are at His right hand (Psalm 16:11). He invites me to delight myself in Him (Psalm 37:4). The Christian life is not meant to be a drudgery – even though it involves a cross. I want the Holy Spirit to have free reign in my life and produce supernatural fruit including love and joy. I’m tired of chasing inferior pleasures that don’t satisfy. I’m excited to be called to taste the superior pleasures of His presence, answered prayer, and doing things together with God. Life is good!
I really needed this message on Sunday, the reminder to enjoy God & the pleasures He gives us, like time with our families, and not get caught up in lesser pleasures…and anxiety, I’m really dealing with that one, too (now and always).