Do you choose to enjoy what God has provided?

God provides the things we are most likely to “enjoy.” That one thought puts everything we own in a different light. God intends for us to enjoy our lives. We shouldn’t be surprised when we are tempted to want more than we really need. Too many possessions complicate our lives and rob us of our ability to enjoy what God wants for us.

Paul described “the uncertainty of riches.” We buy cars that eventually need repairs. We buy homes that eventually need some remodeling. We buy clothes that go out of style, wear out, or no longer fit. The “stuff” we hope to accumulate in this world is often the source of momentary enjoyment.

God’s word defines the blessings that will bring us the most enjoyment. God “richly provides” us with his joy, his forgiveness, his wisdom, his provision, his healing, and his understanding. There is a tranquility that comes with growing older. Most older people like to enjoy what they have as much or more than they enjoy getting something new. Maybe that is what is meant by the phrase “wisdom comes with age.”

If we were to point to the things in our lives we know God has “richly provided,” we would probably realize that those things are the most important and enjoyable blessings we can name. We don’t “set our hopes” on things that are temporary or only last a moment. Our hopes are set on things with higher, long-lasting value.

The Lord gives us wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Those gifts are provided by God so that we will enjoy them and allow them to give his perspective for everything else we might possess.