I recently watched a news report on a couple married 65 years; he is 90 years old and his bride is 89. When asked what was their key to longevity and marital bliss, his response was, "Life is not existing, life is enjoyment."
How many of us are missing out on this truth because we are distracted by the cares of life? Or because of fear, hurt, trauma, and a history of abuse or neglect make "enjoying" life seem like a fantasy?
Perhaps you are thinking...
If the idea of enjoying life rather than existing through it seems lofty and unattainable, I have good news for you! You have the capacity to enjoy life, because it is God's gift to you. If life seems like a rat-race, if you are a workaholic, if you have experienced unspeakable pain and the mere idea of enjoyment seems foreign or frightening--may I encourage you to receive God's word by faith? Explore why enjoying life is uncomfortable. Talk it through with your pastor, therapist, or counselor. Allow yourself to make small attempts to relax and enjoy the life God has given you. It could be something as simple as taking a nature hike or feeding bread crumbs to birds. Allow yourself to enjoy that moment. Try sitting outside to sip a cup of herbal tea. Play a board game with your children. Take a deep breath. Enjoy God's gift. He wants you to live a life full of joy (John 10:10)
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your word. I confess that I have not been enjoying life; my heart has been overwhelmed with/by____________. I give this concern to you now. I cast my cares at your feet because you care about me according to I Peter 5:7. I thank you that each day you make is a good day. I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:25).
I receive the capacity to enjoy and experience the abundant life that you have promised (John 10:10). Amen and so be it according to your word.
How many of us are missing out on this truth because we are distracted by the cares of life? Or because of fear, hurt, trauma, and a history of abuse or neglect make "enjoying" life seem like a fantasy?
Perhaps you are thinking...
- Yeah, right.
- Do you know what I have been through?"
- I raised myself and my siblings.
- I took care of my alcoholic parent.
- I was abused.
- I was not loved well.
- I had to fend for myself.
- Enjoyment? I was trying to survive!
- Or, I'm trying to survive. I am barely keeping my head above the water. I don't have time to enjoy anything!
If the idea of enjoying life rather than existing through it seems lofty and unattainable, I have good news for you! You have the capacity to enjoy life, because it is God's gift to you. If life seems like a rat-race, if you are a workaholic, if you have experienced unspeakable pain and the mere idea of enjoyment seems foreign or frightening--may I encourage you to receive God's word by faith? Explore why enjoying life is uncomfortable. Talk it through with your pastor, therapist, or counselor. Allow yourself to make small attempts to relax and enjoy the life God has given you. It could be something as simple as taking a nature hike or feeding bread crumbs to birds. Allow yourself to enjoy that moment. Try sitting outside to sip a cup of herbal tea. Play a board game with your children. Take a deep breath. Enjoy God's gift. He wants you to live a life full of joy (John 10:10)
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for your word. I confess that I have not been enjoying life; my heart has been overwhelmed with/by____________. I give this concern to you now. I cast my cares at your feet because you care about me according to I Peter 5:7. I thank you that each day you make is a good day. I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:25).
I receive the capacity to enjoy and experience the abundant life that you have promised (John 10:10). Amen and so be it according to your word.
