Hosanna Restoration Church

The things that Paul is referring to are the things we have in Christ; the things we have available. If we fail to enjoy them, we will soon neglect and forget them. We all have things that we enjoyed at one time, but seldom use or appreciate. We have all made purchases that when we made them we thought they were perfect, and yet you often see things in garage sales that still have the tag on them!

The same is true in relationships, if we cease to enjoy them we are in danger of losing them. So when Paul was writing this letter he was reminding the people to think of what they have in Christ. Just as a road map may point out things of interest so that we can enjoy them, so Paul is pointing out the things we need to enjoy. If we never stop and see what is on a road we will not understand the interest others have and if we never consider what have in Christ we will never fully appreciate or enjoy it.

David wrote in Psalm 51 asking God to restore the joy of his salvation. It took him quite awhile to realize what he was missing, but finally he figured it out. Paul wanted the folks to think about the things they had in Christ often so they would never cease to enjoy Him.

Are you seeking and enjoying the encouragement the Lord provides? There is so much encouragement in His word and in time spent with Him. In spite of knowing this fact, people often forget and even reject the encouragement He offers. Suddenly the words that we have declared and even spoken to others lose their power when they are directed at our own circumstances. How can this be? Just as sure as Old Faithful is going to spray into the air, so is the word of God sure to accomplish what the Lord promises. It is true that Old Faithful could cease to blow, but the Word of God will never fail. Enjoy that promise it will provide encouragement.

We have the comfort of His Love and it is a love that will never fail and never diminish even a little bit. Do we enjoy His love? Do we take comfort in His peace that passes understanding? Do we run to Him as child runs to their mother? If we do not enjoy the love in a relationship; if we do not give as well as take; love can grow cold. His love never grows cold, but we can grow cold toward Him.

Paul goes on to speak of the Holy Spirit who leads us to all truth and the mercy and kindness that God has shown us. These are all things that can bring a tremendous sense of joy and they were put in place by God for our benefit. Then Paul says, “If you enjoy these blessings, then do what will make my joy complete.” To me it is a bit like saying that we should enjoy these blessings and if we don’t we should start. And when we enjoy them they should produce action in our lives. So are we enjoying God?