Pure Pleasure

I loved this when I read it recently:

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labour – it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

There is so much that we can rejoice in, and so many blessings that God has given us, and we enjoy them better than ever after we have laboured and done our duties. Then we have the refreshing knowledge that we have worked hard, and can enjoy pleasure as a reward.

Some things can give us pure pleasure, like fresh flowers that smell and look beautiful, and wonderful mountain scenery with nothing to hear but the wind, and sheep bleating.

Along with the mountains, what has given me more real joy and pleasure than anything is music. I have always loved music and with the amount of times it is talked about in the Bible, God must love it too! I was listening to this song yesterday, and it really lifted up my soul. 

The harmonies and melodies are amazing, but it is combined with words that worship God – so I think it is the best kind of music, glorifying God both in melody and in words. 

I think when we enjoy these pleasures and remember that they are a gift from God, then we are also enjoying and therefore honouring God. 

Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! 

Serve the LORD with gladness; 

Come before His presence with singing. 

Know that the LORD, He is God; 

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; 

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. 

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, 

And into His courts with praise. 

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 

For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, 

And His truth endures to all generations. 

Ps 100:1-5