Practicing Delight: Learning to Enjoy God in a Weary, Busy World

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.”—Isaiah 61:10 (NIV)

“For the Lord delights in his people.”—Psalms 149:4 (NIV)

Why is it so difficult to delight? Are you more focused on discipline or delight? You know, we can live with both. Dancers and musicians do it all the time.

The demands of caregiving and work can rob us of delight. We want to care for those we love; our friends, our children, perhaps elderly parents, but it can be exhausting.

Many of us face pressures at work and at home. We grow weary of the mundane routine. Though we can’t always afford the time or money needed to take a vacation, we need an infusion of delight.

A negative view of God can dampen delight. Too often we label Him the stern father, the school principal, or the enforcer. We try to measure up to God’s standards by following religious rules and avoiding all of the “do nots,” only to fall short.

What if we thought of Him as the friend and loving father He is?

When we believe in and follow Jesus, we can cease striving and trying to measure up. We can fully enjoy being in the presence of God, whether setting aside quiet time at home, worshiping in church, or marveling at his creation outdoors.

During a course I participated in, God showed me that my level of delight was dangerously low.

In class and at home, I attempted two minutes of stillness. I didn’t ask God for anything. I just spent time with Him, giving Him space to speak.

It was harder than you might think to rid myself of distractions and stay focused on God.

During these times, I envisioned the two of us engaged in an activity. We playfully hurled and dodged snowballs. We sat around the campfire laughing and making s’mores. We hiked through the forest, pausing to enjoy a waterfall.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “What is the chief end of man?” In other words, “What is man’s purpose?”

The response is “to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

I am to enjoy God, not just enjoy what He gives me. I want my children to enjoy more than what I give them, be it money or food. I want them to cherish me. Perhaps God feels the same way.

As my children were growing up, I might have portrayed God as somber and no fun. I regret misrepresenting Him in that way.

He is the Creator of everything, including pleasure.

He is the God who is fully alive and wants me to be fully alive.

My Heavenly Father is adept at diagnosing and treating failure-to-thrive issues. A shortage of delight impedes my mental health and spiritual growth.

Most of us do not spend enough time delighting in God and comprehending the idea that He delights in us. Not the fake delight a person has when opening a present she doesn’t want, but genuine delight.

To remedy a life short on fun and joy, I set a few new goals. I reluctantly let go of comfort and tried four new adventures; rock climbing, karaoke, kayaking, and axe throwing.

When I realized that each of these activities required relationship, I thought I saw God wink. He knew that shared activities strengthen relationships and double the fun.

If you’re not experiencing delight, here are some things to consider:

1. Ask yourself, have you entered into a personal, loving, saving, growing relationship with God?

2. Unplug for a while. From screens. From all the noise drowning out God’s voice. From unrelenting demands. Unplugging can refresh you and give you new perspective.

3. Examine your heart. As you would a friend, ask God, “Have I offended You in any way?” If a wrong surfaces, ask for forgiveness and allow Him to reconcile your relationship.

4. Ask yourself, “Do I claim to be too busy for God? Have I neglected him?” Take a walk and have a talk with Him. Read your Bible and get to know Him better.

5. Switch it up. Change something. You could try delegating a task or removing an unnecessary one. Have some fun! Add an adventure.

Maybe you’re feeling sad or going through a difficult season of life; a cancer diagnosis, a relational hurt, financial woes, depression, or a death.

I remember a time in my life when three circumstances crashed into me. My husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness, my adolescents were moody and misbehaving, and I experienced a ministry disappointment.

I felt sad and disappointed, but I felt God’s presence with me.

It seemed as though He was sitting with me and giving me unrushed time to grieve.

It’s okay to admit difficulty or sit in the sadness for a while. Be aware of His presence and Him holding your hand as He helps you to navigate pain and uncertainty.

What do each of the following have in common?

A black velvet butterfly with a smear of blue and a row of yellow sequins on its wings.

A perfectly ripe and juicy nectarine.

The feel-goodness of free-flowing laughter.

Need another set of clues?

The regular rhythm of the grandfather clock built by my father-in-law.

A warm homemade peanut butter cookie topped with a chocolate kiss.

A word of encouragement when my head is drooping.

They are all small delights, perfect for just taking life one day at a time. Delighting fosters gratitude.

I have memorized Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV). I call it God’s lullaby.

“The Lord your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.”

God’s love never fails. The psalmist said, “Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.” (Psalm 23:6 MSG) He loves you no matter what. The One who gave you breath is perfectly capable of taking your breath away with delight.

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