PLEASURES

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are PLEASURES forevermore – Psalm 16:11

God delights in His children enjoying His PLEASURES. Some people wrongly imagine God as a cruel task master opposed to all forms of pleasure, who wants us to suffer perpetual pain and pressures. That is not true! God has pleasures: “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Lk.12:32b). He “has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant” (Psa.35:27b). He “takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psa.147:11). What He opposes is for us to be “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God”; “pleasure-seekers” or passionate pursuers of worldly pleasures that are of no value to our souls (2Tim.3:4b). Proverbs 21: 17 says, “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” And 1Timothy 5:6 says, “But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives” (1Tim.5:6).

Scriptures testify that God created us with the capacity for pleasure: “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance…” (Pro.15:13a); “A merry heart does good, like medicine…” (Pro.17:22a). The beauty and colour of creation and the diversity of humanity illustrate the creative palette of the Greatest Pleasure Producer! God wants His creatures to enjoy and creation to be enjoyed. It is right and proper to find pleasure outdoors with nature or in the company of friends and loved ones. God Himself delights in and sings over us: “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph.3:17). In the Old Testament, God instituted multiple feasts and festivals. Though profound in spiritual meanings, they were nonetheless celebrations.

Scriptures such as the Psalms and epistle to the Philippians, speak profusely of Joy! While Christians should take pleasure in reading the Bible, meditating, and serving, these are not to the exclusion of other legitimate activities. God also created us for fellowship, friendship, and recreation. We were made to delight in being His children, using the talents He bestowed, and participating in the pleasures He offers. In addition, His design of the human body reveals that pleasure is part of His plan. Taste buds and other sensory organs prove that God is not opposed to pleasure. Food tastes good; scents of roses are sweet; a stroll in the garden is blissful; and a massage is enjoyable, because God made them that way.

What is important is to distinguish between the different types of “pleasure” in this fallen world, where God’s best for us is often perverted. Just because society deems an activity pleasurable does not mean it is pleasing to God. The Bible tells us what to “put on” and what to “put off” as New Creations in Christ (Gal.5:19-21; Col.3:5-10). The “pleasures” of the world are actually not healthy for us or conducive to long-term benefits. The prodigal son revelled in sin until resources ran out; then he found that the pleasures of sin are fleeting – like false friends that leave one empty and longing (Lk.15:11-17). What is important to realize is that the purpose of our lives is not pleasure. Hedonism is a false philosophy.

We were created to delight in God and accept with gratitude the good things He provides: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psa.37:4). And we were created to have a relationship with Him. God is not opposed to pleasure, but opposed to pleasure usurping His place in our lives. Sometimes we are called to forgo the pleasure of the moment in order to invest in the greater pleasure of His Kingdom. God has “eternal pleasures” in stock for those who seek Him and His righteousness (Psa.16:11). The greatest of our pleasures should be to be committed to “do His pleasure” (Psa.103:21b); to give Him pleasure – “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Rev.4:11).