In reading this weekend’s portion of David Hume’s Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, I came to a very relevant issue to believers today. It’s presented by Philo (our neighborhood skeptic) and is one of the last statements made in the book. Philo basically states that men will care about religion when they’re afflicted but not when they are successful and well. I think most of us would agree with this as we can probably attest to this being true in our own lives at some point in our relationship with God.
Earlier in the text, Philo says that it is impossible to claim that, “human happiness in this life exceeds its misery,” (Hume 65). These excerpts from Philo both led me to challenge my own thoughts of what I rely on for my happiness. If indeed, happiness does not succeed misery in our lives, what is our motivation to get out of bed every day? Do we just wait around for the next happy moment to sustain us until the next opportunity for happiness reveals itself? If we rely on the Holy Spirit to fill us with His fullness of joy, we can face each day of life with joy regardless of how much humanhappiness or misery the day may present. Our joy cannot be tied to this world and this life with its waves of uncertainty which are out of our control. When we rely on God for our joy, we can trust that we have a firm anchor on both the good days and the worst days. When we rely on God for our joy, we will desire to know Him and love Him, especially in the best of times, because we know it is all a gift from God, presenting a new opportunity to praise Him and bring Him glory.
How do you think we can practicallyrely on God for joy when we are having a great day? Through thanksgiving? Through reading His Word?
I commented on AnnaKate and Zane's posts.
I commented on AnnaKate and Zane's posts.
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