Just as the Savior indicated that some people do not grow rich in God (Proverbs 2:6, 9), so too are there those who do not savor the presence of the Lord. Their joy is found in indulging their desires, seeking solace in earthly possessions, temporary accolades, and deriving delight from worldly pursuits without fulfilling God’s commandments. These individuals exhibit a spirit that says, "Come, let us enjoy the good things we have, utilizing them as we wish". They do not consider whether their pleasures align with God’s will, nor do thoughts of God or remembrance of eternity deter them from seeking earthly enjoyment.
In contrast, those who take pleasure in the Lord engage in spiritual pursuits that align with the fulfillment of God’s commandments, thereby opening the path to salvation. Thus, when we enter the house of God and immerse ourselves in prayer, we experience joy in the Lord as we partake in spiritual pleasures, which likewise pleases Him. This was evident in David’s profound joy when he declared, "I rejoice in those who have said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord" (Psalm 121:1). Similarly, as we attentively listen to or reverently read the Word of God, a fire ignites in our hearts reminiscent of the hearts of the apostles who listened to the Lord Himself (Luke 24:32). This fire, while not consuming, brings a comforting warmth. As David articulated, "My heart shall be warmed within me, and a fire shall be kindled in my teaching" (Psalm 38:4). This sweetness is a reflection of the Lord’s love, igniting within us a reciprocal love for Him. It is a feeling that is nearly indescribable. David felt this deeply when he said, "Thy words are sweet to my throat, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalm 118:103).
Consider the significance of this imagery: infants naturally love honey, particularly those who embrace simplicity; similarly, to truly experience the sweetness of God’s Word, one must adopt a childlike mindset. The Apostle Peter advises, "Put away all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation" (1 Peter 2:1, 2). This implies that we must guard against carnal desires and sinful tendencies; otherwise, God’s Word will not bestow sweetness upon our hearts but rather provoke anguish as it rebukes and warns us. For instance, what comfort would a fornicator or a drunkard find in hearing the apostle assert that such individuals "shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10)? How could a wealthy person find solace when confronted with the stark warning, "You fool, this night your soul is required of you" (Luke 12:20), especially upon witnessing the torments of another like him asking for a drop of water to alleviate his suffering (Luke 16:24)?
Ultimately, when we impose self-discipline through fasting and renounce earthly pleasures to conquer our desires, when we care for the sick, assist the poor, welcome strangers into our homes, forgive, and engage in acts of charity—aren’t we truly experiencing joy? This genuine joy is rooted in love and triumph over the fleshly passions. "But thou delightest in the Lord" because both love and the subduing of earthly desires render the most pleasing and acceptable sacrifices to God. The phrase "Thou shalt delight thyself in the Lord" implies something deeper than mere works for the Lord. The prophet intended to convey the inner spirit with which we should pursue spiritual and salvific endeavors. Truthfully, we often attend church out of obligation; we may read Scripture while feeling bored, swiftly completing it without reverence. We approach these actions as though burdened, thus failing to derive pleasure from them. According to the prophet, we are meant to seek delight in them, and our delight must be abundant.
To truly enjoy these endeavors, we must engage in them with love. Observe how eagerly individuals who revel in dissipation pursue entertainment, spending extensive time and effort on it. Would it not be wonderful if we harnessed similar enthusiasm for attending the Holy Church and participating in divine services with heartfelt attention? If those who seek fleeting pleasures are so avid to chase after vanity, how much more should we desire to enter the temple of God, where the holy Angels share in heavenly joy with us? This joy is immeasurable. The Holy Prophet experienced this spiritual thirst and articulated it: "As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for You, O God. My soul thirsts for the living God" (Psalm 41:1, 2). True believers not only commit themselves with love to theological reflection and other Christian endeavors but also willingly endure tribulations for Christ. As the apostle states, "We rejoice in our sufferings" (Romans 5:3).
The delight found in the Lord yields rich rewards; when one experiences joy in the Lord, the Lord brings joy to them in return. David expressed this notion when he remarked, "Let my words be pleasing to Him" (Psalm 104:34). Those who cherish one another engage lovingly and attentively, and the devout person reaches a state of communion with God. As he finds solace in prayer and adherence to God’s commandments, the Lord, as a friend, draws near, sharing in profound fellowship. This is why God grants the desires of those who take pleasure in Him; He becomes their confidant, and they, in turn, are His friends. Because of this mutual relationship, the merciful God is delighted to fulfill their desires, as they harbor no intentions contrary to His will. This sentiment is echoed by the prophet: "He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will hear their cry and save them" (Psalm 144:19).
You may think that finding pleasure in spiritual pursuits seems challenging. But what does one gain without effort? Consider even the most sinful pleasures—they demand significant effort and care. Therefore, if fleeting and impure pleasures, which result in eternal torment, require toil and diligence, is it not far wiser to labor for spiritual joy that yields everlasting peace in God? Amen.
THEOSIS