Did you know Bible is pro having fun!?
It’s easy to assume its all about the story of how humans get saved from sin and work hard to live in newness of life. Praise Jesus, that is the story. But its not all the details.
In the book of Ecclesiastes alone, we see fun and enjoyment mentioned almost 10 times. The author begins the book wrestling with the meaning of life. When he grasps what lame result come from his labor, he laments:
“When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind. There was nothing to be gained under the sun… The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both.”
Ecclesiastes 2:11, 14 CSB
In other words, whether you strive your tail off to achieve awesomeness, or you twiddle your thumbs through your summer—you end up in the same place in the end: older, tired, and after many summers, dead.
What’s a woman to do about this predicament of vain pursuits? God’s solution is so simple, even a child can do it: HAVE SOME FUN!
“I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 CSB)
At least 7 more times, Ecclesiastes persuades the reader to enjoy life!
Or, as the New Living Translation puts it, “I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”
Some of us will waste summer and wind up unsatisfied because we wont pause to have fun! To be sure, hard work is honorable. Taking advantage of nice weather and longer days and can glorify God. However, in the end, our achievements wont actualize contentment. Pursuit of pleasure wont either, but God clearly has balance in mind for his beloved kids.
Your contentment hinges directly on how aware you are of God being in charge. The Lord set up sabbath—one entire day out of every 7—to quicken our awareness of this reality. For one whole day, God’s people are to stop working, controlling, performing, achieving. In that space, the only thing left really is to rest and to play!
Play is such an important indicator of trust. Martin Luther put it this way: “You have as much laughter as you have faith.” When you engage in play, you surrender the assumption that you alone can meet all your needs.
The Israelites desperately needed this reminder when Moses led them out of Egypt. After slaving for their abusers for generations, the people needed a new rhythm—a rhythm of royalty. Slaves don’t sleep; rest is for royalty. By structuring rest and play for the freed slaves, God was teaching them about their identity as children of the King of kings!
As you enjoy your summer, I believe your contentment will become a contagious confidence. Soon, the people around you will learn to let their hair down too and have some fun in the smiling approval of your Heavenly Father.
Want more?
Thanks for reading Part 5 of my new e-book Stay Present Summer. There are LOADS of extras in the book, including
- tips for staying screen free,
- Bible readings,
- memory verses,
- journal prompts,
- activities you can enjoy with your kids (or roomies!)
- and more!
Download Stay Present Summer: 7 Ways to Claim Confidence and Contentment This Season here: Get my Free E-book!
