Before I started following Jesus, I sought pleasure by whatever made me happy through instant gratification. I would suddenly drop what I was doing and move on to something else if the activity I was involved in was not satisfying my desire for amusement. I never thought about pleasing God. When I started following Jesus, something in me changed and I found myself using my spare time doing things that had a purpose. When I sensed God’s call on my life to become a minister of the gospel, I immediately started doing things with a view to the future and I started setting goals. Now, I have come full circle and once again I am seeking instant gratification but the object of my pleasure has changed. Instead of amusement, I want to be intimately engaged in whatever activity will keep me centered and aware of the Lord’s presence in my life. By keeping my thoughts continually directed towards Him, I am able to live moment by moment, trusting Him with my future. The most important thing I have is the knowledge that He is always with me every moment of the day.
“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.”
Psalm 31:19-20
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:1-4