Journeying in Genesis: Delight and Pleasure

“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden,

in the east,

and there he put the man whom he had formed.”

Genesis 2:8

God planted this garden in Eden which is the Hebrew עדן (`Eden) meaning…drum roll please… delight or pleasure! We will never have greater delight or pleasure than serving where God plants us, and walking in the safety of those good works that He prepared for us before time began. Eden is where men walk in right relationship with God providing incomparable peace and joy; delight and pleasure.

When Paul came to Christ, he began walking with the living God. He was driven out of towns, beaten, persecuted, and stoned; but all the while He was living in Eden – that place of fellowship with our Creator. Only a close walk with God will satisfy our souls and allow us to truly live. Let’s thank Him today for the thrill of leaving our lives behind, so we can live in Eden. If you’re a believer, Colossians 3:3 speaks of you,

“For you died,

and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” 

Colossians 3:3

We can use our temporary life here to participate in the deceitful pleasures of sin, or in the amazing ways of God. We can’t do both. His way may not seem “easy,” but I’ll take genuine pleasure and delight over “easy” all day long. Putting our agenda down, and tending the garden He’s planted for us will mean true living, true purpose, delight, and pleasure.

“Your words were found, and I ate them,

and your words became to me a joy

and the delight of my heart,

for I am called by your name,

O LORD, God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16