Joy to the World

Have you ever pondered the joy and goodness of God?

I have found myself caught up in the darkness and bleakness of this world, forgetting how great and good is the God whom I serve.

As I’ve been studying Kyle Idleman’s gods at war, I have revealed many false gods who have replaced God’s throne in my life without my even being aware of it. Today, I read through the chapter about the god of entertainment. Idleman points out in the chapter that if God had not meant for this life to be enjoyed, He would not have placed us in such a wondrous place. If God had not meant for us to be entertained, how exactly does He intend for us to react to the sight of mountain range or a beach or any other natural wonder of the world? Our Creator is good and the source of true, pure entertainment.

The point of the chapter, and really the entire book, is that many false gods that we worship are not bad things to begin with. It is when we replace the Giver and His righteous throne with His gifts that we have sinned and turned God’s goodness into darkness. Idleman challenges his readers to unplug from worldly entertainment and experience entertainment how God intended: pure and lovely and holy.

Choose to worship the Giver of good gifts rather than taking His gifts and turning them against His purpose and will.

“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17