Pleasure and Joy

My husband and I were talking about the absolute pure joy, thrill, and pleasure we got watching our almost 9 month old son learn to crawl a couple nights ago. When we saw him purposefully put out his hands and lean on his arms, dragging his kicking body forwards eagerly towards a wanted toy, we felt such heartwarming joy at his progress and success. We'd been waiting for this for a long time.

Then, as we talked tonight about it, my husband asked me, "Do we ever really think about the fact that pleasure and joy comes from God?" I kind of weakly answered yes and no. Yes, I know intellectually that all things come from God and so I subconsciously know God gives us the gift of joy and pleasure. But no, I guess when I'm really happy about something, when I feel joy and pleasure out of life I don't immediately think of it coming directly from God.

It was a good reminder, and I'm grateful for my husband for bringing it to my attention. God gave us our son. God enabled him to learn to crawl. And God gave our hearts the ability to be thrilled at his learning and to take pleasure seeing him learn new things all the time. It's all a gift, and it all comes from the Triune Lord of the heavens and earth.

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11