THE IMPORTANCE OF JOY

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.–Phil. 4:4   Have you ever asked yourself, “Why am I here on earth?” or “What is my purpose in life?” Sure you have. Throughout the centuries people have wondered about this. The Westminister Catechism seeks to answer that question with these words: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The first part of that statement,”glorify God”, doesn’t surprise anyone, but the second part,”enjoy Him forever”, raises more than a few eyebrows. Can it really be that we are obligated and able to enjoy God forever?   We hear a lot about loving God, serving God, and glorifying God, but not much about enjoying God. Sadly most people have a serious problem in this area. I’m afraid there is more pretense about this than we would like to admit. If you don’t enjoy God you have a serious problem. When the Bible says,”Rejoice in the Lord” it is imperative. It is an obligation, not an option; a command, not a suggestion. So, how are you doing? Do you really enjoy God?   To realize the importance of this think about what the joy of the Lord will do.Here is a partial list: Joy excites us, engergizes us for service, encourages others, exemplfies Christ, exalts Christ, enhances our testimony, and edifies the church. Again I say, if you don’t enjoy God you have a serious problem! If that’s the case, pray as David did,”Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation–“(Psalm 51:12). Do whatever you must, but don’t miss out on the great joy that comes from loving God and being loved by God—nothing else can equal that!