What kinds of pleasure am I free to enjoy?

Ecclesiastes 2:24So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-5Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

God intends for us to enjoy the life he gave us, and the good things he created for all people to enjoy.

Nehemiah 8:10Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

It is good to enjoy occasions that celebrate God’s goodness and love.

Psalm 127:4-5Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!

God wants us to enjoy the blessings of children and of our families.

John 4:34Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.”

The best kind of pleasure is delighting in doing what God wants.

Psalm 16:5, 11Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. . . . You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

God wants us to take pleasure in him because he knows all of the good blessings he has in store for us.