Biblical Answer

The Sovereignty of God and Our Enjoyment of Life

The question of why God takes away our ability to enjoy life is a complex one that can be answered from a biblical perspective. The Bible teaches that God is sovereign over all creation, including our lives. This means that He has the power to grant us an area of autonomy, allowing us to accept or reject Him, and to decide who should have the ability to enjoy life. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it is written that "without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" (2:24-25). This shows that our ability to enjoy life is a gift from God, and not something that we can achieve on our own.

The Purpose of Our Lives

The purpose of our lives is not to seek happiness or enjoyment as an end in itself, but to seek God's glory and do His will. As the Bible says, "I see what God is like, I see what I am, and to enjoy Him for ever" (Psalm 17:15). This means that our desire for God and His presence is not just a product of human imagination, but a natural desire that comes from being created in His image. However, this desire can be hindered by our own sinful nature, our independence, and our self-interest. Through various means, God is trying to impress upon us the one thing that is not entirely right in our lives, and to encourage us to seek a relationship with Him.

The Gift of Joy

Joy is a gift from God, and it is possible to experience joy even in the midst of suffering. The Bible teaches that suffering can encourage us to lean on God and develop character, and that it can also give us the opportunity to see God's splendor ascend over the sorrow of life. Joy is not something that we can achieve on our own, but it is something that we can experience as we choose to become experts in it. We can give things to God that are of value to Him, not just because it is our duty or because there is something in it for us, but simply because we love Him. Ultimately, the purpose of our lives is to have a relationship with God, and to seek His glory and do His will. When we focus on this purpose, we can experience joy and contentment, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges.