Day 19: You’re Allowed to Enjoy This
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:12–13
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live. Also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.”
Somewhere along the way, many believers absorbed the idea that enjoyment is suspicious—that if something is fun, fulfilling, or satisfying, it must be less spiritual. But Scripture tells a different story: joy is not a luxury, delight isn’t a distraction—it’s a gift from God.
Solomon writes that there is “nothing better” than rejoicing, doing good, and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Enjoyment is not selfish when it’s received with gratitude—it honors the Giver. It’s a way of saying, “I recognize this blessing, and I delight in it as a gift from Your hand.”
If we refuse to enjoy what God has given, we risk turning His blessings into background noise. We rush past them, always chasing the next thing, instead of savoring the goodness right in front of us.
You are not more spiritual for being perpetually weary. You are not more holy for rejecting joy. God delights in your delight.
If you consider your present moment as a step to get past on your way to your future, you miss the message God has for you now. Stop and notice the now. Enjoy the present. God is here—with you—now.
Centering Prayer
God…
Teach me to receive joy without guilt.
Open my heart to see and savor Your gifts.
Help me honor You by enjoying what You’ve placed in my life right now, today. Amen.
Practice for Today
Do one thing today purely for the joy of it—without apology. Name it as a gift from God.
Journaling Prompt
When have I felt guilty for enjoying something good?
How might embracing joy deepen my gratitude and worship?
Closing Blessing
Receive the gifts God has placed in your hands.
Rejoice in them fully.
Enjoy the life you’ve been given—not later, but now.
Your joy brings glory to the One who gave it.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Right now is the present…
Breath out: …You give to me.
When I go to Europe on 9/16, I will not be taking my hardback devotional books with me. I will be reading or listening daily to your devotionals! It is nice that you are so portable. Good one today!