...fighting for joy in God

Another quote...

The difference between desire for God and delight in
God is important mainly to make clear that finite creatures like us, who
have a spiritual taste for the glory of God, will always want more of
God than we presently experience—even in eternity. There will always
be more of God to enjoy. Which means there will always be holy
desire—forever.

In this age that is frustrating. We kick ourselves that our cravings
for lesser things compete with God as the satisfaction of our souls.
Rightly so. This is a godly grief. We do well to be convicted and penitent.
We know that we have tasted pleasures at his right hand, and that
our desires for them are pitifully small compared to their true worth. It
is helpful at this point to be reminded that our desires—no matter how
small—have been awakened by the spiritual taste we once had of the
presence of God. They are an evidence that we have tasted. It is also
helpful at this point to be reminded that our desires are only a tiny part
of what is to come. The strength of our desire is not the measure of the
strength of the final pleasure. That truth can rescue us from despair and
keep us fighting in this fallen world for all the joy possible in God.
When I don't Desire God: Fighting for Joy -John Piper

There is so much competing for my attention.
No wonder I get so easily discouraged and drained. This is a fallen world, not the way it's supposed to be. So when I'm just living in this world and not coming back to the hope that God gives us as we long for perfection, no wonder I get down. Without God life sucks, read Ecclesiastes if you don't believe me, everything is meaningless.
God gives life meaning, purpose, passion, excitement and joy. Not that everything is perfect now, but we know and trust that one day it will be because there won't be anything between us and God anymore.
I'm saying this as much to remind myself as to encourage you. I hope it's some encouragement.

"The intensity of our pleasure and our desire bear witness of his worth to the
world, especially when we are freed by this (present and hoped for) pleasure
to leave the pleasures of this world for a life of sacrifice and love
for others." Piper

I love it, because when I find joy, delight and pleasure in God, not only am I bringing glory to God and a joyful and happier person myself I am also able to show others that God is real and He's the reason for my joy.
That's actually an area that lately I've been disappointed in myself. I say I'm a Christian to my friends and family, but if they only see me moping around, lethargic and grumpy, God is not going to look very attractive to them. That scares me because I want more than anything for my family and friends who don't know God to have Him come into their life. I know it's up to God and not me, but I could still shine a little brighter than I have been.
Ok I'm starting to rant. If you read this, thanks for taking the time to read it and hopefully taking some time today to spend with the One who made us and makes life worth living.