the pleasures of god
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it.' " —Haggai 1:7-8
If you asked yourself: "Am I happy?", what would be an honest answer? Many people are more busy than blessed (see Hg 1:6), more stuffed than nourished, and more jaded than exhilarated (see Hg 1:6). The more stuff they get, the more empty they become. They have holes in their pockets and, worse than that, holes in their hearts (see Hg 1:6).
We will be happy if we forget our pleasures and try to give God pleasure. We give Him pleasure by seeking first His kingdom (Mt 6:33) and building His house, the Church (Hg 1:8). When we do this, He gives us a share in His pleasures, which truly make us happy. A selfish, pleasure-seeking life is a lonely, compulsive life. A life of giving God pleasure is a life of love and communion.
Happiness is refusing to enjoy pleasures alone, without God. Happiness is giving Him pleasure and sharing only in His pleasures.
Prayer: Father, take pleasure in me. "Pleasing to Him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord" (Ps 104:34).
Promise: "For the Lord loves His people, and He adorns the lowly with victory. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; let the high praises of God be in their throats." —Ps 149:4-6
Praise: Linda has learned to offer all she does for God's glory, whether it be her service to the poor or an evening shared with friends.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Obedience School or our tape entitled Obeying God on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.