For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11 King James Version

First off, the above verse is in the King James Version so it must be true. The King James Version is the same language that Jesus Himself spoke. Okay, I’m joking but the above verse does contain a most glorious truth. Why do we exist? For God’s pleasure…

Somehow, it’s freeing to discover that the reason we’re alive isn’t primarily for us. We don’t exist in some isolated way where we have to conjure up our own purpose. To put it simply, we exist for God’s enjoyment. He delights in your little heart that tries so hard to impress Him and figure Him out. He has a good time with your life.

There’s no secret to the why behind the entire redemption story being played out in all of history. Again in the sacred King James text: “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:9-10)

This verse is about God’s motivation for bringing all things (aka the whole universe) into unity in Christ. In case you were unsure or confused, that is what God is doing in this world. He is working all things out toward this end. And why? Paul stated according to His good pleasure. It brings joy and pleasure to His heart to bring about His plan (which none of us can stop by the way).

Another way to look at it is that God is going to have joy in everything He does whether we like it or not. If we’re smart, we’ll surrender to His river of joy and get in on the fun. But if not, God’s good pleasure will keep working in us. As A.W. Tozer wrote, “This infinite God is enjoying Himself. Somebody is having a good time in heaven and earth and sea and sky.” (Tozer, The Attributes of God)

If you get stuck in yourself sometimes, stuck in your head, trying to figure life out, take a step back and remember you are not here only for you. You are here to be delighted in by your Father. And whether we realize it or not, He is delighting. His delight isn’t dependent on our “faith” or our “thoughts.” His delight is His own heart initiative that takes pleasure in what His own hands have made: you.