Grateful for Pleasures
Another thing I’m grateful as I look back on 2023 is for the pleasures I get to enjoy in life.
David wrote this in Psalm 16:6 “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.” And then in verse 11 he says “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
David enjoyed certain pleasures in life and was looking forward to enjoying even greater pleasures at God’s right hand.
What pleasures do you enjoy? The truth is, in 2023 we live lives of great pleasure and comfort compared to any other era in history.
Gratitude for Simple Pleasures
Do you have nice clothes on today? More than one pair of shoes?
Did you eat tasty food today? Or will you be doing that soon?
Do you have a comfortable bed with pillows and blankets?
Are you going to listen to some good music on a technological device today?
Do you have running water, and electricity today? (In South Africa, we are very grateful when these are actually available!)
These are basic pleasures that many people around the world today don’t get to enjoy.
Maybe this year you had some pleasurable experiences – watching good movies or tv shows, going on holiday or to a conference or to a memorable event. How blessed are we to enjoy such things?
Maybe like David we need to look at 2023 and honestly say “the boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places for me.”
True Delight: Finding Pleasure in God
But let’s not forget what David said in verse 5: “LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.” Even with his pleasures, David realized that really only God could satisfy Him and make Him secure. His greatest joy wasn’t in all the pleasurable things and experiences, but in His friendship with God.
Has 2023 been this way for you? Has your friendship with God been your greatest pleasure?
If so – that’s wonderful.
If not – you still have a few days to find great pleasure and delight in the God who loves you!
Jesus' words amazed those who heard Him, filling them with wonder at His teaching and power. Do His words still fill you with wonder today, or have they become merely familiar?