A countless multitude are listening intently to the chorus of society as it sings to them of an illusive satisfaction. The siren songs of the world are as varied as there are stars in the heavens. There are the not so subtle songs that lure many into the dangers that have been well marked out by society. And then there are the extremely subtle songs that entice multitudes into making the good pleasures in life into ultimate pleasures. These good pleasures turned upside down into ultimate pleasures are every bit as poisonous as the notoriously dangerous pleasures.
The evidence in our world of humanity poisoned by wrong pursuits is overwhelming. It is seen in the broken families, the overcrowded orphanages and prisons, the full parking lots at the bar on Saturday night, as well as in the full parking lots of many lifeless churches on Sunday mornings. As we walk through this life we are sick, wounded, confused, and so inundated by the poison that we often don't even realize it's there.
With my heart broken at the pain and destruction in the world around me, I am grateful for hope. For there is a hope that is a great medicine for this poisoned world. The antidote for those overcome by the poisonous pleasures of this world is to be awakened unto the Ultimate Pleasure - God Himself.
The Psalmists often wrote of this majestic delight in the God of the Universe. They wrote things like:
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you and on earth there is nothing that I desire besides you.
Psalm 19:7-11
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
The greatest weapon against the poisonous pleasures of this world is the Ultimate Pleasure - the Living God.
Isaiah 55:2-3b
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live.
Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joy. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Good as an Enemy of the Ultimate
In this world we are surrounded by good things. Existing in the midst of God's creation guarantees our proximity to goodness, to many good and enjoyable things.
Yet great danger remains as the extraordinary potential exists for us to attempt to turn these good things into the ultimate thing. Our fallen nature combined with the wiles and illusions of the enemy of our souls leaves us in a rather precarious position. Hungry as we are for happiness and heart satisfaction, we are like children filling our bellies at the penny candy store when a King's glorious and nutritious 7 course feast awaits our attendance.
C.S. Lewis said it like this, "We are far too easily pleased."
May God grant us eyes to see what is truly most valuable and ultimately satisfying, namely Himself. May He grant us eyes to see the penny candies for what they really are, empty and short lived.
This is the story of mankind from the fall of Adam until today. We are continually pursuing happiness in everything else but in Him. Adam and Eve pursued it in the lie that the apple would fulfill their lives more than God would. Our problem today is the same as it was then. We too continually pursue happiness in the apples of this world. When will we realize that nothing else will satisfy our hearts like He can. If and when we realize that, what will we do about it?
I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.
- Hosea 5:15
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
- Psalm 27:8
"Whom have I in heaven but you, and on earth there is nothing I desire besides You."
- Psalm 73:25
Yet great danger remains as the extraordinary potential exists for us to attempt to turn these good things into the ultimate thing. Our fallen nature combined with the wiles and illusions of the enemy of our souls leaves us in a rather precarious position. Hungry as we are for happiness and heart satisfaction, we are like children filling our bellies at the penny candy store when a King's glorious and nutritious 7 course feast awaits our attendance.
C.S. Lewis said it like this, "We are far too easily pleased."
May God grant us eyes to see what is truly most valuable and ultimately satisfying, namely Himself. May He grant us eyes to see the penny candies for what they really are, empty and short lived.
This is the story of mankind from the fall of Adam until today. We are continually pursuing happiness in everything else but in Him. Adam and Eve pursued it in the lie that the apple would fulfill their lives more than God would. Our problem today is the same as it was then. We too continually pursue happiness in the apples of this world. When will we realize that nothing else will satisfy our hearts like He can. If and when we realize that, what will we do about it?
I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.
- Hosea 5:15
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14
You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."
- Psalm 27:8
"Whom have I in heaven but you, and on earth there is nothing I desire besides You."
- Psalm 73:25
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Contrasting Pleasures
It is an interesting thing that God has made pleasure. He has made many things for us to enjoy. He cares tremendously for us and enjoys giving His children good gifts. He is very good at what He does (understatement) and His creation is significantly enjoyable. Although none of these gifts surpass in greatness the ultimate gift that He gives - Himself, it is none the less evidence of His goodness that He would grant such delights.
Oh, but delights can be dangerous... Augustine said something like, "He loves Thee to little who loves anything together with Thee which he loves not for Thy sake." These delights can be avenues of praise towards God for His goodness or they can be sought as ends in themselves. That such pleasures, though gifts from God, may be used and pursued in a manner which turns them into gods is the dangerous part. I think this is one reason why the Scriptures warn us to guard our hearts.
Here are two contrasting examples of the different uses of delight:
The first man wakes with the sunshine upon his face. He travels to the bank to cash the check from his weeks work. He goes to the grocery store to purchase food for dinner and some roses for his wife. He returns home and enjoys the dinner and the smile upon his wife’s face, who is grateful for the roses.
This man is grateful that God made the sun to shine upon him today and realizes that it did not have to be that way. He knows that God has provided him the strength and wisdom to work during the week and thanks God for His provision for his family. He praises God for the lovely food available at the grocery store and the finances to purchase such. He is happy in God's creativity that He made flowers that the man might bring to his wife. He is glad that God has given him his wife, he is delighted that God has arranged that she often smiles. He is glad that God has made her to enjoy flowers. This first man's delight is ultimately in God and everything else he enjoys are but sunbeams of blessing which cause him to look up in gratefulness and praise the God who is providing such blessing.
The second man has the exact same day as the first man. The second man is glad that the sun is shining because he has plans for the day and does not like being caught in the rain. He cashes his check and is happy that it is pay day but always wishes for a little bit more. He gets the food at the grocery store, picking his favorite dinner. He gets the flowers just before leaving the store in the hopes that they may work in his favor. He returns home and enjoys his favorite meal made just the way he likes it. His wife is smiling at the roses and he is thinking his plan has worked.
The second man is at the center of his affections. Life is all about him and his pursuit of his happiness is in whatever he delights in. He too is pursuing happiness, but this happiness is a result of avenues of praise leading directly to self.
The very same act could be done with two completely different motives. The same day in this example could be experienced by two different people in two entirely different ways. One enjoys God from whom all blessings flow and the other enjoys self as his enjoyment sends blessings and praise down the avenue of self.
I believe the old Catechism question and answer is true and tremendously appropriate:
What is the chief end of man?
The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Considering the above statement it would seem that we have two options:
We can fulfill our purpose by glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.
OR
We can rebel against our God designed purpose by glorifying ourselves and enjoying ourselves for a very limited time.
What or Whom will you most enjoy today? And why?
Oh, but delights can be dangerous... Augustine said something like, "He loves Thee to little who loves anything together with Thee which he loves not for Thy sake." These delights can be avenues of praise towards God for His goodness or they can be sought as ends in themselves. That such pleasures, though gifts from God, may be used and pursued in a manner which turns them into gods is the dangerous part. I think this is one reason why the Scriptures warn us to guard our hearts.
Here are two contrasting examples of the different uses of delight:
The first man wakes with the sunshine upon his face. He travels to the bank to cash the check from his weeks work. He goes to the grocery store to purchase food for dinner and some roses for his wife. He returns home and enjoys the dinner and the smile upon his wife’s face, who is grateful for the roses.
This man is grateful that God made the sun to shine upon him today and realizes that it did not have to be that way. He knows that God has provided him the strength and wisdom to work during the week and thanks God for His provision for his family. He praises God for the lovely food available at the grocery store and the finances to purchase such. He is happy in God's creativity that He made flowers that the man might bring to his wife. He is glad that God has given him his wife, he is delighted that God has arranged that she often smiles. He is glad that God has made her to enjoy flowers. This first man's delight is ultimately in God and everything else he enjoys are but sunbeams of blessing which cause him to look up in gratefulness and praise the God who is providing such blessing.
The second man has the exact same day as the first man. The second man is glad that the sun is shining because he has plans for the day and does not like being caught in the rain. He cashes his check and is happy that it is pay day but always wishes for a little bit more. He gets the food at the grocery store, picking his favorite dinner. He gets the flowers just before leaving the store in the hopes that they may work in his favor. He returns home and enjoys his favorite meal made just the way he likes it. His wife is smiling at the roses and he is thinking his plan has worked.
The second man is at the center of his affections. Life is all about him and his pursuit of his happiness is in whatever he delights in. He too is pursuing happiness, but this happiness is a result of avenues of praise leading directly to self.
The very same act could be done with two completely different motives. The same day in this example could be experienced by two different people in two entirely different ways. One enjoys God from whom all blessings flow and the other enjoys self as his enjoyment sends blessings and praise down the avenue of self.
I believe the old Catechism question and answer is true and tremendously appropriate:
What is the chief end of man?
The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
Considering the above statement it would seem that we have two options:
We can fulfill our purpose by glorifying God and enjoying Him forever.
OR
We can rebel against our God designed purpose by glorifying ourselves and enjoying ourselves for a very limited time.
What or Whom will you most enjoy today? And why?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Unbreakable Joy
I have entitled this blog "Unbreakable Joy" not because my joy can never be broken, but because the source of my joy, God, can never be broken, nor hindered, nor can He ever be taken away from me (rather I can never be taken away from Him).
The Apostle Peter writes that this joy is inexpressible and filled with glory (1Peter 1:8-9). Experience teaches that sometimes our hearts can be so filled with joy in God and with His presence and touch that words simply cannot do this justice. Although this joy can never really be entirely expressed - because of the infinite, eternal, and ineffable nature of God - yet I (and many others) have desired to express this joy in God to the very extent of my ability.
Feeble though words may be, this joy can be somewhat expressed, although not entirely. It might be like an ant who deeply enjoys and loves the mountain on which his ant hill is built (which the ant likely imagines includes the very reaches of existence), but the ant because of it's significant limitedness cannot explore the entire mountain, nor could it fathom the glories of the countless other mountains near by, nor the depths of the oceans or the underwater mountains therein, nor the mountains on the other side of those oceans. But the ant could enjoy what the ant could experience and that is in similar fashion where God's people are in relation to enjoying God.
Here is a brief collection of a few Scriptures on our joy in the value and glory of God:
Psalm 4:7-8
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 65:4
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 103:10-13
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Psalm 119:111
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:72
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Isaiah 29:18-19
In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. 29:19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Matthew 13:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 25:21
His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Luke 2:9-11
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
Hebrews 12:2
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
1Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Jude 1:24-25
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
The Apostle Peter writes that this joy is inexpressible and filled with glory (1Peter 1:8-9). Experience teaches that sometimes our hearts can be so filled with joy in God and with His presence and touch that words simply cannot do this justice. Although this joy can never really be entirely expressed - because of the infinite, eternal, and ineffable nature of God - yet I (and many others) have desired to express this joy in God to the very extent of my ability.
Feeble though words may be, this joy can be somewhat expressed, although not entirely. It might be like an ant who deeply enjoys and loves the mountain on which his ant hill is built (which the ant likely imagines includes the very reaches of existence), but the ant because of it's significant limitedness cannot explore the entire mountain, nor could it fathom the glories of the countless other mountains near by, nor the depths of the oceans or the underwater mountains therein, nor the mountains on the other side of those oceans. But the ant could enjoy what the ant could experience and that is in similar fashion where God's people are in relation to enjoying God.
Here is a brief collection of a few Scriptures on our joy in the value and glory of God:
Psalm 4:7-8
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 27:4
One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 65:4
Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!
Psalm 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 84:11-12
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Psalm 103:10-13
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
Psalm 119:111
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
Psalm 119:72
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Isaiah 29:18-19
In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. 29:19 The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 55:2
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
Isaiah 58:11
And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
Matthew 13:44-46
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 25:21
His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'
Luke 2:9-11
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 16:24
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Galations 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
Hebrews 12:2
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:7-8
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
1Peter 1:8-9
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Jude 1:24-25
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
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