ARE YOU HAVING ANY STRUGGLES WITH YOUR ATTEMPTS TO ENJOY LIFE?

SCRIPTURE:    
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, 
the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. 
(John 20:31)

MEDITATION:
The Bible gives us guidance and many promises.
One of the promises we are given is life and living with joy.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; 
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
However, many are determined to enjoy life on their own terms.

Have you ever heard someone say, 
“I’m going to have fun, no matter what it takes!”?
“no matter what it takes” is a confession that they will refuse to be 
governed by rules or moral ethics and they will not be constrained 
by any boundaries established by God.
It is a defiant statement to God Himself that His rules will not be obeyed 
and an expression of a lack of confidence and faith that He can 
provide for their needs (even though His Word says He will).
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, 
and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

There is a glaring question to consider: 
“Does God want me to have fun and enjoy life?”
Of course He does; He loves us and wants what is best for us, 
including enjoying life, but on His terms, not ours.
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my 
Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my 
joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:10-11)

Whenever man interjects his own ideas into God’s plans, 
problems develop and life becomes less enjoyable.
We could cite many examples, but let’s just look at one – relationships.
God gives us all the requirements for good relationships 
that are based on a foundation of love.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

However, man jeopardizes healthy relationships whenever he introduces things 
like anger, selfishness, and a lack of concern for the feelings of others.
God gives us what is good, but too often we corrupt it whenever 
we refuse to follow His guidelines, and stay within His boundaries.

ACTION:
Maybe God sent me this devotional especially for you (or someone you know).
Are you guilty of lacking confidence (faith) 
that God can provide for all your needs?
Are you seeking first your desires, or His kingdom?

Don’t ever get the idea that you have a sincere faith and are close to the 
Lord if you are acting defiantly and saying things like, “whatever it takes”.
God loves you and He wants you to love Him in return.
You can’t claim to love Him fully when you willfully disobey Him.

There are many who use social media to try to create an impression that 
they have a close relationship with the Lord, 
but their actions defy their words. 
Some are still addicted to drugs or alcohol, using foul language (profanity),
engaging in illicit relationships (fornication and adultery), 
failing to show love to others, and yet they want others to believe 
they are close to the Lord.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing and having the ability to provide 
for all of my needs. Forgive me for the times I have decided to chart my 
own course. Help me to always seek Your Will first, so that I can enjoy life
to its fullest. I believe that Your Word is true when I read how good things
will be added to me whenever I seek You first. Thank you for all of Your 
promises, and especially for Your promise of a good life now and an eternity 
of living with You.”