From Duty to Delight - Glorifying God by Enjoying Him
Zephaniah 3:17 paints a stunning picture: "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." God doesn't merely tolerate us—He delights in us with singing.
When was the last time you did something purely out of enjoyment versus obligation? We instinctively know the difference. Our body language shifts, our energy changes. Yet for many Christians, faith feels like a series of obligations rather than delights.
Consider what awaits us in eternity. Revelation 5:13 reveals that "every creature in heaven and on earth" will declare, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" This passage doesn’t portray reluctant compliance but shows exuberant worship. If this is our eternal destiny, shouldn't our present relationship with God reflect that same delight?
True worship emerges when we genuinely enjoy time with God. When we experience His presence as a treasure and privilege, we naturally look forward to more time with Him. This doesn't mean every moment feels joyful. There will be seasons of feeling unmotivated or distant from God, and that's okay. What matters most in any relationship is honesty and clear communication. God invites us to bring our whole selves, including our struggles.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, "What is the chief end of man?" The answer captures this beautifully: "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever." We glorify God most fully when we enjoy Him most deeply. As we grasp how He delights in us, we learn to delight in Him, transforming obligation into worship and duty into joy.
Discussion Questions:
Which spiritual practices bring you genuine joy versus obligation? What would help shift more toward delight?
How does knowing God rejoices over you change how you approach your relationship with Him?
What might prevent you from being fully honest with God about your struggles or lack of desire?
