God takes pleasure in those who follow him. He sent his Son to rescue you. Jesus not only paid the price for our sins on the cross, but he clothes us with the robe of his righteousness. This means that God credits to us the perfect life that Jesus lived. When God looks at us, he sees us covered in a beautiful garment. Granted, the robe may look like an XXL on a tiny frame because part of the spiritual process called sanctification means that we are growing into the robe of righteousness. When we trust in Jesus, we become children of God dressed in royal robes, and he takes pleasure in our pleasure. 

In Ecclesiastes 9, Solomon starts with the one thing in life that is certain, closes the chapter with the uncertainties of life, and in the middle, tells us how to live a life of godly wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 9:7, he simply says to enjoy life.  

Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Solomon states that your heavenly Father takes pleasure in you. He knows you love, respect, and honor him and desire to obey him. As you fear God, he “has already approved what you do.” He has given you all things as great gifts. That’s the theme of Ecclesiastes—God gives you great gifts to enjoy. Make the most of everything God has given you. Live every day to the fullest!

Have you ever heard people answer the question, “How are you doing?” with “Pretty good, under the circumstances.” Howard Hendricks, a favorite seminary professor who had his share of challenges in life, used to respond to that answer with, “What are you doing under the circumstances?!” Jesus said that Satan tries to destroy us, but Jesus came so we could “have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Abundant life doesn’t start in heaven; it starts today! You are a child of the King, wearing his royal robes of righteousness, so live like a child of the King! 

Father, help us live today like we are children of the King. We know there will be bumps along life’s road. We know there will be challenging times. But help us enjoy the great gift of life and all the things you give us to make life abundant. In Jesus’ name. Amen.