Psalm 63:2-5 (NIV)

I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

John Piper has developed this idea of a Christian hedonist which at first seems like an oxymoron. After all aren't Christians supposed to be humble and prone to suffer? A hedonist is someone who pursues pleasure, especially of the sensual sort. That's doesn't describe the Christian does it? A Christian is not supposed to be so self-centered is he? But the Bible is full of verses like the above which speak of being supremely satisfied with God, comparing it to eating a fine meal in this case.

Pleasure is not sin. God invented our senses and our minds. He gave us these faculties not to tempt us to do evil but to enjoy life. God wants us to experience things with our senses but not in pursuit of wickedness. Pleasure, when it is found in the glory of God, should be so much more satisfying and permanent than pleasure which comes from a fleshly appetite which thrills and then disappoints leaving you empty.

"People are condemned for forsaking God and seeking their happiness elsewhere (Jeremiah 2:13). This is the essence of sin. The Bible actually commands us to delight in the Lord." -- John Piper

Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Do you find pleasure in God? I think King David knew the secret. As you continually praise Him, you will discover your pleasure in Him.

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