The Ability to Enjoy

“There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them …” (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2)

It is sad to dine at a fine steakhouse with a seared tongue that cannot taste.

Much sadder is a life full of God’s blessings without the “power to enjoy them.

God gives blessings to all he has made: rain and sunshine, breath and life—and to some, wealth, possessions, and honor.

But there is a second blessing, and without it, all the other gifts lose their aroma. We may perceive that they ought to be good—but without this second blessing, our hearts cannot take in their goodness.

God must give us “the power to enjoy” gifts—or else the other blessings seem bland to the soul.

Can you taste the full flavors of the gifts around you? Do the bursting rays of the sun pierce your soul? When you hear the unfettered laughter of children, does it warm your whole being—like a warm dish on a chilly day? Can you breathe deep, smile wide, and sigh with relief as you savor and share the playful, unnecessary gifts that add dashes of joy to the routine of life?

Thankful intimacy with Christ is the only way we receive this second blessing.

It’s more than mere thanksgiving. That’s the start. But Christ wants more—and our soul needs more—than sending God a thank-you note, like a distant relative acknowledging a gift.

Thankful intimacy is how Jesus brings out the full flavors of life. Not just giving him thanks for it—but bringing him into it, sharing life with the One who has shared everything with us.

He wants you to taste the full flavor of the steak. He’s the chef, after all. Take in the flavor! Give him thanks! And even better, ask him to sit with you so that you can enjoy it to the full.