…but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Summary: In this passage, Paul points us to those things that are both the sweetest things in life and also the most often taken for granted.
Let’s review. The entire passage reads as follows:
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
Those who are “rich” in this world can buy things with their money that others cannot. They can also use their money to help others in their time of need. Money has many uses, but, as Paul points out, it is deceptive. It can also lead to arrogance and putting our trust in material things instead of God.
Instead, all of us, rich or poor, should put our hope in God.
Why?
Because God provides us with “everything for our enjoyment.”
What does Paul mean?
What does God provide for us that is “for our enjoyment”?
This is one of those verses where it is helpful to stop for a moment and think about what it is we enjoy.
We can “enjoy” having things that others don’t have, but that kind of enjoyment comes at the expense of those who do not have. When we “enjoy” being envied by others because we have something they don’t have, that is not a “joy” that God approves of. (See Micah 6:11-13)
Instead, think of the things God provides us without asking.
First and foremost, is life itself. Without life, we would not even exist to enjoy God’s creation. If this sounds like a trivial point, remember that when God created Adam and Eve, they rejected him as God and chose to be “like God” himself (Genesis 3:5). The result was a disaster for humanity (Romans 1:32).
We don’t deserve being allowed to live. On top of that, God has provided redemption and atonement through his Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25). Because of him, we live!
Beyond that, what does God provide?
There are many things, but the sweetest and most desirable is also the one thing money can’t buy— a relationship with our Creator (John 1:12-13). If we have that, then everything else is enjoyable, too.
Application: Thank God!
Food for Thought: How would you describe the kind of “enjoyment” Paul is talking about?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.
How would you describe the kind of “enjoyment” Paul is talking about?
I thought about this question for a good bit of the morning and there are three things I would use to describe the enjoyment of what God has provided for us.
Fellowship: Using the time and resources God has given us in activities, or to talk, or to care for each other. Strengthening relationships. Sharing meals. This is different from “entertainment” because long after the moments have passed the memories will remain and continue to bring joy.
Acts 2:46-47 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.
Expression: artistic expression; using our hands and minds to express love and care for others; the satisfaction of creating something good. Solving a puzzle or a problem. Speaking eloquently, or teaching; helping others understand something or learning from others about something that fascinates us.
1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 Also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
Peace: Holding onto the peace that comes with surrendering all to Christ. To really have enjoyment of God’s provision there must be gratitude and peace.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Chris,
Thank you! Well thought out and well shared!
Good devotion and good comments CH.
I think you hit on something important in your devotion when you pointed us to a relationship with our Creator. I think we can tend to neglect what is right in front of us. Philippians 4: 4 says: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!
We are commended to have joy in the Lord. All other lasting joy comes from this simple command. It is a joy that goes beyond circumstances. It is a joy that is ever present if we simply take hold of it. I don’t think we can have the type of enjoyment Paul is talking about with the joy of the Lord. He is literally our joy.
Thank you, Rich!
Yes, the “joy” in “enjoy” must come from Jesus! I agree!
How would you describe the kind of “enjoyment” Paul is talking about?
Enjoyment beyond human capacity to muster.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13.
Thank you, Ron!
I absolutely agree!
Good devotion today, and it looks like my pastor is back in town. HAPPY DAY FOR SURE
Thanks, Paul!
Reunion and fellowship can certainly bring joy!