Are You Enjoying God?

Last month, my pastor challenged us to live a life of faith when we’re not at church. For months, many of us have been stuck inside, away from many of the distractions that often occupy our time, so what have we been doing with all of this quality time at home? My pastor encouraged us to have the same faith that we have at church when we’re gathered together in our own individual homes. After all, if we want to see freedom and healing and restoration in the world, it has to start with us first.

But then he asked a question that I wasn’t expecting. He asked, “Are you enjoying God in your home?”

I wasn’t ready for that question and I really didn’t know how to answer it. It’s hard for me to use the word “enjoyment” in a season of turmoil, chaos, and grief. I know that I’ve met with God during these difficult times and relied on him in ways that I haven’t before, but I don’t know that I would say that I have enjoyed God in this season.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been grateful and comforted by his presence. I’ve mourned and grieved with him. I’ve spent time questioning and confessing to him and left with peace instead of stress or worry or shame or condemnation. But I don’t know that I have enjoyed him.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

While in quarantine, I’ve been watching a lot of The Great British Baking Show because it brings me comfort. Most days, I can’t handle a gritty action film or series; instead, I need something light and joyful, so I’ve turned to British baking. Some of the culinary creations are absolutely delicious and the judges will remark that they just want to go on eating it all day long. Others miss the mark and often lead to that contestant being sent home.

We take time to savor a delicious meal like the judges on British baking, but how often do we take the time to taste and see the goodness of God? Do we take him in with all of our senses and cherish his presence? Do we enjoy him?

I am feeling guilty for writing this post right now when so much of our nation and world is in absolute turmoil. I feel this guilt about even thinking about “enjoyment” at this horrific moment in time. But I wonder how our lives might change if we did enjoy God daily. What might our world look like if we chose to savor God in his infinite goodness and mercy?

We were made to love God and love others. I wonder if we would do both of those things better if we experienced the lavish love of God more fully and completely. If we enjoyed being in his presence, maybe we wouldn’t turn to other things. Maybe we would be more consumed with him. Maybe it’s not a sin problem we have, but an enjoyment problem. Because we have an incorrect view of God, we don’t savor him thoroughly, and instead, we seek comfort and enjoyment outside of him, leading to hurt and even sin.

We are living in an incredibly difficult time and are feeling and experiencing so many different things right now—it’s a lot to take in. But I wonder if we can still enjoy God in the midst of the tragedy. I don’t think our enjoyment of God in this season is like eating a chocolatey piece of cake in front of someone eating a bowl of kale. But maybe God can rewire our taste buds so that we enjoy him even in this season, not to rub it in the faces of others, but for our own lives to change.

Let’s seek his face and savor his presence. Let’s enjoy spending time with our God today!

How have you enjoyed God during quarantine?

How do you think we can practically taste and see God’s goodness today?

To go Deeper: Read Choosing Good Over Great, Woman at Bethany