“You have made known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

Pleasurable things give delight and satisfaction to the soul. Pleasure is found lying under an oak tree on a windy day, with the cool grass beneath and the rustle of leaves above. Pleasure is discovered by a cheery fire, curled up on a couch with your favorite blanket and herbal tea. Pleasure is captured in the soft smile and gentle eyes of the one you love.

Our souls are restless, raging and thirsting for fulfillment, for delight, for… pleasure. Someone has said, “The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” Who we are in our innermost being is revealed by those things we passionately desire. If we desire dull, sensual things our souls reflect dullness; if our desires rise to find fulfillment in the exalted, then our souls are made noble and pure.

Because God has created your need for pleasure, it stands to reason that he must be the consummation of that need. He directs our pleasure-seeking souls when he commands, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.” God is not only the one who gives pleasure, but is himself all pleasure.

Eternal pleasures are found at God’s right hand. Stop there. You don’t have to look any further. God places passions within you so that you’ll keep searching until you find utter delight in him.

Don’t deny your desire for delight. Gorge yourself on God and discover real and deep delight.

You are the delight of my soul, Lord, and I look to you for all fulfillment. Help me to see that the longings you’ve placed within me are signposts directing me always and always to you.