The Tribune

By CARLOS SPENCER

Our Almighty God created all life and He wishes for us to enjoy His gift of life, and to be happy. Believers in Christ recognise that a key component to enjoying life is to have a wholesome and close relationship with God.

In David’s Golden Psalm (Psalm 16) he wrote in Psalm 16:11 (KJV): “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” The Apostle Paul expressed in 1 Timothy 6:17 (KJV): “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

Holy Scripture is lucid on the importance of enjoying life’s journey and its positive correlation with our spiritual walk with God. The two concepts are inextricably linked. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 (KJV): “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

This is enormously powerful scripture. Jesus makes it clear that we are to experience more than simply an enjoyable life, but that we are to do so lavishly and copiously. This wonderful set of circumstances emanates directly from the presence of God in our lives.

Solomon records in Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (KJV): “I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

This passage reinforces that life is a gift from God and we are meant to enjoy it. At the end of the day, we are required to account to God for the stewardship of our life. (Hebrews 9:27) Jesus tells us in Luke 15:7 (KJV): “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”

Proverbs 17:22 (KJV) reminds us that: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Likewise, Proverbs 15:13 (KJV) affirms “a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” This principle from scripture represents a formidable wellspring, and is well worth remembering.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (KJV) summarises life’s journey in these words: “Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (KJV) reminds us that we will encounter good and challenging times, but God allows this to prevent us from knowing what will happen next. The passage states: “In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.”

Jesus assures us of His peace in John 16:33 (KJV) by telling us: “I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” These are such comforting words by our Lord. We should seek to enjoy life as much as we can, and to cherish the journey. Amen. Thanks be to God for the sharing of His Word.