Enjoying God

Our presbyterian brothers know what I’m about to say very well. It’s from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It’s the first question.

Q1: What is the chief end of man? A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

We get the first part of that answer–to glorify God. The Bible is wonderfully laden with that theme. But we might balk at the second part. Our main purpose is to (in part) enjoy Him forever? How are we supposed to enjoy God? Are we even supposed to do that?

A verse comes to mind we should meditate on: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11, ESV).

John the Baptist had something to say about this. He tied both answers to that first question of the catechism together. He pointed out that there was a connection between the increase of Jesus’ glory through his life and his own personal joy. As Jesus increased in glory, John increased in joy. That sounds like John knew the chief end of man.

How this works is something I’m thinking about. Perhaps a sermon series will come of it. First Timothy 6:17 comes to mind: “God . . . richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” Perhaps part of enjoying God is to enjoy his gifts. Of course spending time with Him in prayer and the Word is a way to enjoy Him.

I’d love to hear if you have any thoughts on this topic. Have you ever thought of God as something we are to enjoy? Are there any hangups for you about doing that? How do you see God’s Word saying we are to enjoy Him?