Life-changing Experience

I just recently returned from an amazing experience at the Desiring God Conference for Pastors.  And all that I have learned would not fit in this tiny blog.  But I do want to lay out one specific truth that was revealed to me.  I haven't been enjoying the presence of God in my life.

What is joy, anyway?  Here is a great definition.  Joy is a deep, durable delight in the splendor of God which ruins my joy for anything else.  My relationship with God has been focused on beating my body into submission because I wasn't doing what I was suppose to do in order to be close to God.  There was no joy in it.  I wasn't basking in the greatness and glory of God.  I was forcing myself to do the right thing.  Or at least trying to do the right thing at which I usually failed.  "You can't work for joy when you don't work from joy."

This experience has been a life changing, ministry molding, faith increasing experience that I would recommend to anyone I meet.  So, here is my final question for you.  Are you enjoying your relationship with God?  Or are you focused on everything else but the presence of God?  Answer that question and you will find where your heart stands.