Do What You Love and Do It Often - Part 3

Does it sound heretical to say “God wants you to be happy?” I know Christ’s followers will suffer—we are called to pick up our cross daily—but do we have to do it with a sour face? Since when did serving God have to be a solemn trial?

1. Problem One with “Do what you love and do it often” is that we don't know what makes us happy. 
2. Problem Two is that doing what we love doesn't seem important.
3. Problem Three is that we feel guilty about pursuing happiness. 

We delight in You, a photo by kelsey_lovefusionphoto on Flickr.

The Apostle Paul spoke of “rejoicing always” (Philippians 4:4). Easier said than done, right? Here is what Paul also said:

• He worked much harder than most, 
• was put in prison more frequently, 
• was flogged more severely, 
• was exposed to death again and again. 
• Five times he was given 39 lashes
• three times he was beaten with rods,
• once pelted with stones, 
• three times shipwrecked,
• and spent a night and a day in the open sea,
• was constantly on the move. 
• He was in danger from rivers, 
• in danger from bandits, 
• in danger from his fellow Jews, 
• in danger from Gentiles;
• in danger in the city, 
• in danger in the country, 
• in danger at sea; 
• and in danger from false believers.

And yet he said "Rejoice!" 

I believe that God has given your heart a happiness, a something that colors your world and adds flavor to your day. Maybe it’s gardening, writing, organizing, creating, cooking, selling, or tent-making. Whatever it is, you should be able to honor God with it. Don’t be afraid of what others will think; don’t worry about keeping up the appearance of a long-faced Christian. As ridiculous as it is, do what you love and do it often, to the glory of God!

"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful." - Psalm 68:3

Tell yourself right now that you don't have to feel guilty about pursuing happiness in the Lord. Leave a comment below telling about something you love that you have felt irrationally guilty about pursuing. Did someone put that guilt on you, or did you take it on yourself?