We focus on eternal joy.

People should be able to enjoy life

because there is nothing better than eating, drinking,

and enjoying oneself in this world.

However, such enjoyment must be found in working diligently

during the time God has given us on this earth (Ecclesiastes 8:15).

Yet, for some reason, it seems we are unable to enjoy life.

It feels as though we are not experiencing joy right now (6:3).

In other words, it seems we have no enjoyment,

much like there is no one to be joyful and happy

even in fertile lands and vineyards.

It seems that all the sounds of joy have ceased

(Isaiah 16:10; cf. Jeremiah 48:33).

It seems that people's enjoyment has disappeared (Joel 1:12).

What is the reason for this?

Perhaps the reason all the sounds of joy have ceased is

that worries in our hearts are causing our spirits

to be wounded and our bones to dry up (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22).

Perhaps the reason is that we can only think of the pleasures

that are immediately visible to us (Ecclesiastes 7:4).

Perhaps it is because we are ignoring

God's warnings and advice (Ezekiel 21:10).

The pleasure of the ungodly is all fleeting (Job 20:4).

We should seek pleasure in the Lord (Isaiah 58:14).

We should make God our delight (Psalms 35:9),

because those who seek the Lord find pleasure (105:3).

The reason is that our God gives joy and delight

instead of sorrow to those who mourn,

and praise instead of anxiety (Psalm 61:3).

We should receive God's word as if it were delicious food.

The reason is that God's word becomes joy
and delight in our hearts (Jeremiah 15:16).

The Lord's teachings and laws are our delight (Psalms 119:24, 77).

The knowledge of God's word

and God Himself gives us pleasure (Proverbs 2:10).

May God remove sorrow and mourning from us

and grant us only eternal joy and delight (Isaiah 35:10).

Therefore, we pray that those whom God has rescued will sing

and return to God's sanctuary,

experiencing eternal joy and delight (Psalms 51:11).