We know when we’ve had our fill after a big meal. We know when we’ve had our fill of fresh air after a long hike. We know when we’ve had our fill of a long, boring sermon. Surprisingly, we don’t always recognize when we’ve received our fill of peace or joy. That ‘filling’ is unique. It is more like a reservoir that delivers on demand – a ‘demand’ that is ‘demanded’ automatically, though indirectly, through prayer, Bible reading, worship, Christian fellowship/service, etc. Joy is often recognized after the fact. These activities are rewards in themselves, but to discover the renewed presence of full joy following each is to overflow, to be struck with awe, to fall in love with Jesus all over again.
Consider the following four (4) quotes:
“Life cannot have any other purpose than joy and goodness.
Only this purpose – joy – is ultimately worthy of life.”
Leo Tolstoy, diary entry, 1892.
“The chief end of humankind is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
‘The Westminster Shorter Catechism,’ 1647.
“The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.”
John Piper, Desiring God
“Glory for humans is hearing that we are pleasing to the One
whose pleasure we most long to fulfill.”
C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Which of these has the most impact on you? What do you ‘hear’ in those words? How is the Holy Spirit revealing to you this ever-present supply from the generous heart of God? What is God’s invitation to you today? What will be your response to His invitation? Enjoy your pondering! PD
Don graduated from Regent University in 1988 and moved to France for seven years, coming back to the US briefly to marry Sue in 1990. The work in France included working in a Christian School and helping plant a church before returning in 1995. He’s been pastor of Peninsula Vineyard since 1999. He enjoys counseling, especially married couples, traveling back to France (with Sue), reading, doing Sudoku puzzles and sleuthing out good, dark chocolate. Don serves as the senior pastor of the Vineyard Church Peninsula, in Newport News, Virginia.