18 Bible Verses About Enjoying Life As A Christian

Many people (both Christian and non-Christian alike) have it in their minds that Christians can’t really have fun.  Christianity often gets equated to following strict rules and regulations, with little to no enjoyment of life.

I get how non-Christians would think this, but I’m more concerned with the fact that Christians have started being deceived by such a lie.  To the point where some actually start asking themselves questions like:

• Does God want me to be happy?
• Is it a sin to enjoy life?
• Can I enjoy life as a Christian?
• Does God want us to have fun?

If you have ever wondered about this yourself, or find yourself questioning if you’re missing out on “real fun” by being a Christian, then its time to take a look at what the bible has to say about enjoying life.

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What Does It Mean To “Enjoy Life”?

The word enjoy means to take delight, satisfaction, or pleasure in (an activity or occasion);  or to possess and benefit from.

As a Christian, it is imperative that when we approach any topic, we always seek guidance from Scripture as the ultimate authority on any subject matter.  That being said, let’s start with looking at the concept of enjoying life from both a secular and biblical viewpoint.

The Secular Viewpoint

There are no shortage of enjoying life quotes from the secular viewpoint.  We’ve all heard at least some of these popular quotes, and may have even used some ourselves:

• YOLO – you only live once
• Live everyday like it’s your last
• Carpe diem – Latin for “seize the day”
• Live the way you like and keep moving forward
• Do the things you like because if you don’t you will regret it one day
• I’m living my best life
• If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right
• Do what makes you happy
• Live in the moment, forget the past and don’t concern yourself with the future
• Dream big, stay positive, work hard, and enjoy the journey

These quotes all sound great.  They motivate, encourage and inspire people to go out and start enjoying life.  Live the way you want, seize the day, have fun, be happy, and enjoy every moment!  Sounds like an everyday party right?

So what exactly is wrong with this viewpoint?  The focus is solely on self, and there is no incorporation of God. And some of the statements are actually in direct opposition to what the bible teaches.  

A secular viewpoint says pursue your dreams, make a ton of money, buy anything you want, do what you want, when you want, how you want, and you will be successful and enjoy life to the fullest – and there is no need for God.

The Biblical Viewpoint

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that Jesus Christ actually came and died for us to have and enjoy life abundantly:

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy.  I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance {to the full, till it overflows}.  

John 10:10 AMP

These are Jesus’ own words to his disciples! True enjoyment of life ONLY comes from having a relationship with God.  

You see, it’s not a question of whether or not God wants us to have fun or enjoy life.  Rather, it’s a matter of what enjoying life looks like from a biblical viewpoint.  

The problem is that, as Christians, we sometimes get caught up in a secular mindset, and start to think it’s better or preferable to enjoy life in a secular way (living any way we choose with no regard for God or what the bible says).  Not realizing that God can take our enjoyment of life to a whole new level when we actually cultivate our relationship with Him.

A biblical viewpoint says, seek God first and foremost, learn and obey His Word, commit your goals to Him, include Him in everything you do, and He will bless you, give you success, and ensure you truly enjoy life to the fullest.

Now let’s take a look a some specific bible verses about enjoying life to support this viewpoint.

What Does the Bible Say About Enjoying Life?

In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote:

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

I Timothy 6:17 NIV

Not only did Jesus die for us to have an abundant life, the bible goes on to tell us here, that God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment!  

Look at the contrast in the verse:  rich people who are putting their hope in their wealth which is uncertain and not guaranteed vs. putting their hope in God who is guaranteed to provide everything they need. We can’t ever go wrong by putting our hope and trust in God.  In fact the more you cultivate your relationship with God, the more you will begin to enjoy life.

Cultivating Your Relationship With God Enhances Enjoyment of Life

Several verses in the bible make it very clear that when you spend more time with God, reading His Word, praying, and serving and obeying Him, that enjoyment of life will result:

• These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.  Deuteronomy 6:1-2 NIV
• Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4  NIV
• I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.  You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.  Psalm 16:8-9, 11 NIV

You want to enjoy your life more?  Start spending more time with God and doing what pleases Him, and watch God begin to work in your life.

Learn To  Start Enjoying the Little Things in Life

So often as Christians, we  think we’re “missing out” in life because we don’t have the material things that our secular society equates with success and enjoyment of life.  From fame and fortune, owning multiple homes, cars, and businesses, to having thousands of social media followers, getting a national award, or a Ph.D, we set these things to be the standard by which we determine if we are enjoying life or not.  

Although, none of these achievements would be wrong, the bible teaches us not to make them the standard, and to remember to enjoy the “little things” in life as well:

• Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  Nehemiah 8:10 NIV
• Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Psalm 37:3 NIV
• So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.  Ecclesiastes 8:15 NIV
• I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.  Romans 15:24 NIV

God has given us food, drink, a place to lay our head, ability to enjoy the fruit of our labor, and people in our lives that provide good company.  So often we overlook these things that we are blessed with daily, or take them for granted, forgetting that not everyone in the world enjoys these basic privileges.

Enjoy the Blessings of the Lord

There is the enjoyment that comes from cultivating our relationship with God, the enjoyment of the little things in life that He gives us daily, and then there are the many other blessings that God can bestow on us as well.

David son of Jesse was king over all Israel. He ruled over Israel forty years—seven in Hebron and thirty-three in Jerusalem. He died at a good old age, having enjoyed long life, wealth, and honor. His son Solomon succeeded him as king.  

I Chronicles 29:26-28 NIV

If you know the story of David, then you know that the bible says he was a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14 NIV).  Although he had his flaws and sins just like you and I, he served the Lord faithfully as king over the Nation of Israel.  And God blessed him with a long life, that he enjoyed, along with wealth and honor.  

So yes, you can be a Christian and still enjoy life!  In fact, sometimes we will enjoy life even when the world around us is in chaos, simply because we are Christians, and God has us covered!

• The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.  In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.  Psalm 37:18-19 NIV
• Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Isaiah 3:10 NIV
• Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.  Jeremiah 31:5 NIV
• Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47  NIV
• Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.  Acts 9:31 NIV

More Bible Verses About Enjoying Life

In wrapping this post up, I want to remind you that it’s always good to remember to keep things in perspective. And as a Christian, that means a biblical perspective.

What am I saying here?

I’m saying, try not to get caught up in a secular way of thinking, because that will have you not only thinking you can’t enjoy life as a Christian, but will also have you displaying an ungrateful attitude towards God.  

Our enemy the devil only needs us to give him just a little bit of room to creep into our thoughts to plant seeds of lies.  This is why, spending more time with God, and working on cultivating our relationship with Him is vital. In fact, our true enjoyment of life depends on it.

In light of all this, there are three things to always keep in mind regarding enjoying life:

1.  Remember that EVERYTHING that God gives us is a gift, and we should acknowledge and honor Him accordingly.

Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.  

Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV

2.  All of us have seen our share of loss, hardship, or unfortunate circumstances.  When God delivers you out of these type situations, don’t forget to thank Him and praise Him accordingly.

God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.  

Job 33:28 NIV

3.  NEVER forget the goodness of the Lord in your life.  Always, always, always, reflect on what He has done, is doing, and has promised to do, and show gratitude by giving Him praise.

The Lord has done great things for us,  and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3 NIV

Yes, God Wants Us to Enjoy Life!

Now you know, based on Scripture, that God wants us, as Christians, to enjoy life.  

God wants us to enjoy people, the fruit of our labor, peace, favor, food and drink, safety, and even wealth and honor.  He NEVER states that these things are out of our reach, or that we shouldn’t have them.  But, if you take notice and actually read the verses listed in this post in context, you will see that in each instance, the individuals involved, enjoyed these things as a result of obeying and serving God!

If you ask me, we are the ones who hinder our own enjoyment of life.

You want to truly enjoy your life more?  Again I say, start cultivating your relationship with God more, and I guarantee you will begin to see immediate results!  In fact, not only will you start to experience more joy in your life, but God will start to give you more time to do the things you enjoy.  

All that time you used to spend comparing yourself to others, and being jealous over the material things your non-Christian counterparts have, can now be better spent on you growing your relationship with God, and truly enjoying life.

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy bubble baths, red wine, trying out new restaurants, theme parks, Netflix, hot-stone massages, meditation walks, music, playing pool, traveling, gospel concerts, zip-lining, and Starbucks!  And I thank God everyday for each and every one of these enjoyable pleasures!

Whether it’s your favorite latte, listening to your song of the week on the radio, giving your child a huge hug, texting a romantic message to your significant other, watching the sunset, visiting friends, or painting – find and enjoy those moments of peace and happiness throughout your day or week.  

Our life on earth is too short for us to not enjoy the precious moments that God gives us each day for our enjoyment.  Make it your mission today to learn to love God’s Word, grow in your walk with Him, and enjoy life to the fullest!

Want some additional help and biblical guidance on how to start enjoying life more?  Be sure to grab your copy of 20 Ways to Enjoy Life More As A Christian by clicking below:

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