How to Enjoy Life

Do you have a zest for life? Do you find yourself waking up, eager to face another day? Or, maybe you are scratching your head and wondering how other people seem to actually enjoy life when, for you, it is just going through the motions.

Jesus came so that we could have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). This doesn’t necessarily mean abundance in terms of what you can hold in your hand. Abundance in Jesus is so much deeper, sweeter, and richer than stuff. He satisfies our soul and ushers unshakeable joy into our lives.

It is one thing to say all this but it is another to put action around an enjoyable life with Jesus as the center. There are many practical ways you can intentionally pair your faith with fun and enjoyment. Here are three of my favorites!

Celebrate Creation

One of my favorite things to do is go for a hike and find an incredible vantage point that allows me to look out over a wide expanse. I love how it feels to be so aware of how small I am, in the scheme of the big universe, and yet realize that God knows me personally and intimately. As I celebrate God’s vast and varied creation, I am able to feel these incredible feelings.

Allow yourself to be caught up in the wonder of all His power and might, which is made evident by the beautiful world that He made for us. Scripture affirms that His invisible and powerful qualities are made known to us by creation (Romans 1:19).  When was the last time you looked up at the stars and realized the vastness of the sky? Or, have you stooped down to notice the intricate details of a flower, which was designed and created by God Himself. Enjoy life by enjoying the world we were given, while recognizing the majesty of The One who created it!

Express Gratitude

As you move through your days I encourage you to make gratitude a familiar rhythm. Enjoying life is often linked to our ability to see the God-given blessings that surround us. We get so used to the daily needs of work, school, family, and responsibilities, that we forget each one of those daily tasks reveals a bigger blessing from God Himself. After all, every “good and perfect gift” is something given to us by God (James 1:17). And what do we do when someone gives us a gift? We thank them!

Make sure you are sensitive to all the gifts in your life and when you recognize them, thank God! If you are packing your child’s lunch for school, thank God for their life and the opportunity to be their parent. As you commute into the office, thank God for a job that provides for your family — recognizing He is your ultimate provider. While you are taking care of the daily household chores, thank God for the home you have and the way it keeps your family safe and warm. Wash your daily experiences in gratitude and watch how it helps you move from a ho-hum way of living to a place of greater enjoyment!

Invite God In

It can be hard to enjoy life when we struggle with hardship or face obstacles! Our world is saturated in brokenness and there is no way to avoid its impacts altogether. At one point or another we all cycle through feelings of frustration, hopelessness, grief, despair, or fear. When you find yourself in one of those places, and you feel that enjoying life is all but impossible, I urge you to invite God in!

The tough stuff of this world can leave us weary and bone-tired. Jesus spoke directly to this when he said:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29 NIV).

Come before God with honesty and let Him know about the hard things in your life that are feeling too heavy. Trust that He can make your burdens lighter and free you from the things that threaten to steal your joy. Our God is big enough to handle your heavy emotions and deep pain! There is never a place too far gone or too hopeless for Him to redeem. Come before Him in honest prayer and let Him know He is welcome.

Enjoy a Faith-Filled Life

Life is so much more beautiful and meaningful when it is framed with a faith-filled perspective. Allow the wonder of this world, created by God Himself, to cover you in awe and vibrancy. Don’t forget to walk through your days with an intentional eye toward gratitude. And when things get hard, and life is hard to enjoy, don’t forget you serve a loving Father who wants to draw near to you.