“I said to myself, ‘Have fun and enjoy yourself!’ But this didn't make sense. Laughing and having fun is crazy. What good does it do?” Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 (CEV)

“It is a gift from God to be able to eat and drink and experience the good that comes from every kind of hard work.” Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 (GW)

“In this life, good people are often treated as though they were wicked, and wicked people are often treated as though they were good. This is so meaningless! So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 (NLT)

“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT)

DOES GOD LIKE TO HAVE FUN? WHAT DOES GOD DO FOR FUN?

What would you say?

Have you ever seen a platypus? Or a puppy? Why else would He put two sisters in the same family, and give one straight blonde hair and the other one curly dark hair? In fact, why else would He create everybody so differently?

WHEN GOD MAKES PEOPLE ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THEY LEARN IS HOW TO LAUGH AND PLAY.

It’s just sad that over the course of time we forget that. Why would Jesus say that His Kingdom was composed of people who had child-like qualities?

Fun for people comes from three places, and since we are created in His image, it’s pretty safe to say that God’s fun-loving side touches these three areas as well …

1.  ANTICIPATION

Anticipating something exciting is usually as fun, if not more fun, than the actual event. It’s also fun to help other people anticipate. God has fun by allowing us to anticipate what is to come in eternity. Think how long it has been since Jesus said …

“In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3 (NIV)

2.  ADVENTURE

When you do things that are new, faster, riskier, or an escape from the routine, you are having fun. And the fun-loving God loves adventure, too. I don’t think that God has hobbies, but He has created a masterpiece of a universe for His pleasure.

3.  AFFECTION

Fun is wrapped up in people. Usually our anticipation and our adventure is made complete by somebody we care about. Fun is rooted in fellowship and intimacy. That’s why there was a Garden of Eden, and why there will be a heaven. That’s why Jesus had twelve disciples, who were all so very different. That’s why we may have some fun by ourselves, but not for very long.

What if I related to others like I relate with God?

Hey (fill in the blank your best friends' name)! Want to give me some more stuff? Want to help me? Will you talk to my boss and ask him to give me more money? Will you go talk to my family for me? And do something about this shoulder pain while you are at it?

Or what if, instead of conversing with your spouse or significant other, you only sang repetitive lines of love …

____________________________, how you look so beautiful … I want be closer to you, come closer to me … you are so wonderful, so WONDERful, so WonDerFuL ... You are so wonderFUL oh you are and I want to know you _____________________________. Open my eyes to see you, blessed be your name _____________________________.

While that might be a beautiful song, if that's all you ever did to communicate with your spouse or significant other in an effort to get to know him or her you'd have a lot to talk about in future counseling sessions when your relationship falls apart.

What if we started to ask questions to God that we ask of those we want to know. God what do You like to do? What is Your favorite thing to watch? What are You up to right now that is fun? Do You ever wish You could just get away from work?

Do you think God loves to paint and create? Would you imagine that He takes joy in recreating flowers each year? Notice how He personally composes sunsets all around the world. He doesn't just let it go automatic. He dreams it, gathers the colors, shifts the elements and then waits for His friends to take notice. Meditate on the idea that God loves to play with His kids. He's the perfect Father who just loves to play and interact and watch His kids. He's an adventure guide. Every year thousands of people climb ridiculous ridges. Every day millions of people do daring stunts. Why? God guides us to go on adventures. Good guides love seeing the ecstasy of their group. And God loves seeing ours. The next time you hear His voice, regardless of the means of delivery, remember this – it brings great pleasure to the God of Heaven to reveal His will, His heart, and His secrets to you. When you’re listening, He’s having a blast.

What do you do for fun?

Do you feel guilty for having a good time? If so, why?

Do you encourage others to create margin in their lives for the sake of recreation? Why or why not?