“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain , but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17).
Endurance and Enjoyment
I made two lists this week. One listed things I enjoyed doing and the other listed things I endured. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the enjoyment list was longer. When I’m disposing of a trapped mouse and cleaning up the its messes left in closets or weeding my flower garden, it seems like I’m enduring things needing to be done more than enjoying them. This life on earth is a journey made up of both endurance and enjoyment and as I get older I see that my perspective and worldview have much to do with what is on which list.
You see, with the endurance comes enjoyment. My flower garden looks much better. I can enjoy the blooms without looking at the weeds (for a while). My closets are clean, neat, and organized. When I recognize God as the Creator and giver of all, I gratefully enjoy little things like, fresh veggies from my garden, cool mornings, and watching Molly’s silliness.
God created us for His pleasure. He desires fellowship with us. When we hurt, He hurts. He knows our need before we ask. He is ready to help us, through the work of the Holy Spirit, to endure whatever comes our way-whether it’s an annoying inconvenience or major life changing event. Most of the things on my “endurance list” this week were quite trivial compared to many of the trials which come our way. Some folks are enduring the heartache of a prodigal child, a walk-away spouse, failing health, job loss, or loneliness. I don’t know how one can face these without God. Only God can offer hope and assurance through His love and His promise to never leave us.
Encouragement
Second Corinthians 1:3 tells us that God is the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” There it is-one reason for our suffering and trouble. We can become a comforter and encourager to others. As we emerge on the other side of our endurance to a place of enjoyment we are ready to encourage another traveler.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4-5).
Thanks so much (again!) for this sharing of perspective. I think I’ll make two lists for myself.
Just what I needed as I struggle to take care of all the apples (about 5 bushels) from the yellow transparency tree. It seems they multiply like rabbits. Soon the shelf will be filled with jars of applesauce and then I will find satisfaction of knowing the supply has been replenished for another year!
Caroline, that homemade applesauce sounds really good! Enjoy!