Are you enjoying life?

Do you enjoy life or just endure it? If the joy meter was hooked up to your heart, what would the reading be? Don't confuse joy with pleasure, happiness, fun, excitement or any other feeling that is temporary and dependent on the circumstances, activities and situations of life. Joy includes those things but is best measured when things aren't going so well, when things aren't fun, exciting, pleasurable or even happy. Joy is not event-driven but God-given. The Bible says that there is joy in God's presence and since God is always with us (the #1 promise in the Bible), joy is always available. Its evidence that we are rising above rather than staying under the circumstances. It comes from knowing that whatever is happening is temporary and that life and love is not out of reach nor eluding me but has been there all along. Psalm 139 is a beautiful picture of the presence of God and concludes with a very important inventory to see if we really understand His presence in our lives.

1. "Search me, O God, and know my heart" If we have secrets and things that need to remain hidden and are unable to lay ourselves bare before God and afraid that someone may find out what you did or who you really are then joy will always be elusive to you. Is there anything that you are hiding from God or others?
   
2. "Test me and know my anxious thoughts" Fear and worry are things that rob us of joy. It is not a path of trust and peace. Jesus taught in the parable of the sower that it is the cares of this world that choke out the life that God desires for you to have. God says to worry about nothing and pray about everything. Worry has never solved a problem (it usually magnifies a problem) but God has been known to do amazing things for those who trust Him. What is keeping you up at night that should be given to the Lord?
3. "See if there is any offensive way in me" Often we sacrifice joy on the altars of pleasure, expediency and acceptance. Sin may bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction but eventually leads us to a dead end. Is there anything that you should confess?
4. "And lead me in the way everlasting" Sometimes joy stays just out of reach when we are not pursuing the life and work that God has called us to do. We set our sights on the next purchase or promotion or award only to find that it doesn't satisfy. Maybe we hate our job or just feel that there ought to be something more or greater to live for. And you are right, God has a plan and a purpose for you, good works that He has ordained only for you to accomplish. Is there something or someone that you feel you should be helping? Is there a charity that you should be active in? Find out what would bring you joy and just do it.