Many things in my life I do because it is essential, or I must do them because of responsibilities I have to others. I read the Bible daily, spend time in prayer, work on my Bible memory verses, write my blog, work on sermons, text or phone Patty, pay my bills, sleep, eat, brush my teeth, and other things. Some things I do because I enjoy them. Fishing is at the top of that list, but some things have changed with fishing in my old age. I no longer fish in the rain. I used to, but no longer. I get cold, and then the joy is gone. Fishing is not a duty or an obligation, so I don’t need to unless I want to. Often, I will do things that I don’t necessarily enjoy, but I enjoy the challenge of accomplishing them. That list of things is also shrinking as I get older. I don’t climb mountains anymore, or run marathons, or run anything for that matter.

I enjoy reading more and more, writing, studying, doing activities with people, especially family and friends, teaching and preaching the Bible, building things, and fishing and hunting. In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul tells Timothy that God gives us all things to enjoy. Joy in life is a great gift from God. Some things are enjoyable, like fishing, but others bring joy because God gives joy as a blessing for faithfulness. One of the significant blessings of God is joy in life. Those who do the will of God, obey God, seek Him, serve Him, and worship Him will have great joy in their heart from God. Psalms 16:11 says, “In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”