Why Is the Enjoyment of God Important?

Why is it important for us to enjoy God in the Christian life? Dr. Joel Beeke highlights three reasons why enjoying God is significant. Firstly, it is our duty. Glorifying God and enjoying Him are intertwined. By lifting Him up and giving Him His rightful due, we experience the delight of being in His presence. Enjoying God is an inseparable part of real life, and it is our responsibility to engage in this joyful communion with Him. Secondly, enjoying God serves as our strength. The joy of the Lord empowers us. As Nehemiah proclaimed, "The joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). When we find delight in the Lord, we become strong in our faith. This strength enables us to face various challenges, including afflictions, criticisms, and difficult times. The joy derived from our relationship with God, nurtured through His Word, gives us the resilience to overcome the obstacles we encounter. Lastly, enjoying God in holiness is not only our duty and strength but also our future. Without holiness, no one will see the Lord. Our enjoyment of God in a holy manner aligns with the purpose of heaven. It prepares us to meet God and be clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Our lives on Earth serve as a preparation for that great day when we will stand before Him. This perspective underscores the critical nature of enjoying God in holiness. Psalm 37:4 resonates with the theme of delighting in the Lord: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."