Joy in God’s Simple Pleasures

With the events in the news recently of a prominent celebrity and his many indiscretions, I am reminded of how wealth, power and prestige do not bring happiness. The emptiness of a life without God is evident in the lives of those on a continuous search for fulfillment and pleasure. One would think that having it all would make you happy, but without a relationship with Christ, there will be emptiness of soul and a longing for something more.Learning to find contentment in the small things of life are the blessings that God gives us when we walk with Him. We’ve never had many material possessions or much money in the bank, but God has blessed us richly. Taking pleasure in the simple things of life is a wonderful gift. I find happiness in seeing my husband sitting on the other end of the sofa while we relax for an evening, or joy in watching my grandchild have fun in the sandbox. Getting my family together, walking on the beach, having a morning to sleep or sipping coffee with a friend brings me pleasure.

In a society that values power, prestige and wealth, we need to remember what will bring happiness. It is a relationship with Christ. I believe God smiles on us when we enjoy life’s simple pleasures, for these are His gifts to us. Sometimes I wish I had more money in the bank or a cushy retirement account, but I don’t. True contentment comes as we enjoy God and the small things that He gives. Today, enjoy all the pleasures that God has brought your way.

PRAYER:  Lord, life will always have challenges, please help me to learn contentment and joy in my relationship with You and all the simple pleasures You bring my way.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain,” I Timothy 6:6 KJV.

Today’s devotional is by Carin LeRoy, wife to Dale, mother of three grown children and one high school teenager. She has served as a missionary with PIONEERS since 1982. Her passions are family, playing and teaching piano, missions, and writing stories that show glimpses of God.