This question gets at an important issue that many struggle with in relating to God – is following Him restrictive and opposed to enjoying life, or does He actually offer us true fulfillment? There are a few key perspectives to consider on this topic:
God’s laws and commands can seem restrictive
It’s true that God gives us many laws and commands in the Bible that restrict behaviors – like prohibiting sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, and dishonesty (see Exodus 20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 5:3-5). For those who don’t believe these behaviors are wrong, or who want to live according to their own desires, God’s standards can feel limiting and constraining.
In addition, God calls us to a life of sacrifice and service that can require giving up selfish pursuits. Verses like Mark 8:34 remind us that following Jesus requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and living for Him. This surrender of our wills to God’s can make Him seem like a “cosmic killjoy” imposing on our freedom and fun.
However, God knows what’s best for us
While God’s laws and call to surrender our wills may seem restrictive, He actually understands better than we do what behaviors and lifestyles are detrimental, and which ones lead to meaning and fulfillment. God made us and knows how we function best. His principles for living are given to protect us, not harm us (Psalm 119:9-16).
Though certain behaviors may appear fun for a season, God knows they lead to pain and emptiness in the long-run, outside of His will (Hebrews 11:24-26). His commands come from His perfect wisdom and love, as a protective Father guiding His children toward what’s truly best.
Obedience to God leads to blessing and joy
Obeying God is actually designed to lead to our blessing and happiness. He is a good Father who wants to give us good gifts (Luke 11:11-13). Walking in His ways grants us the gift of an abundant, joy-filled life (John 10:10).
Psalm 16:11 tells us “in [God’s] presence there is fullness of joy.” Obedience allows us to remain in God’s presence where true pleasure is found. His will is “good, pleasing, and perfect” for us (Romans 12:1-2) – not something that steals our fulfillment.
We must deny counterfeit pleasure that leads to death
The Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, though sin deceives us by being pleasurable for a time (Hebrews 11:24-25). If something goes against God’s commands, it is counterfeit pleasure that will not satisfy long-term. We must deny ourselves these things not to miss out, but because they ultimately lead to death and destruction when we choose them over God (Romans 6:23).
James 1:14-15 describes the progression of sin from enticement to death. While it promises gratification, it actually leads to spiritual decay. God wants to spare us from exchanging eternal joy for temporary counterfeits.
Walking in God’s will grants satisfaction
While certain behaviors may appear fun but actually lead to emptiness, Scripture tells us that walking in God’s ways leads to profound satisfaction and contentment. Psalm 37:4 says “take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” As we find satisfaction in Him, He grants us true desires.
Psalm 63:5 describes “satisfaction as with the richest of foods” when we praise God properly. Psalm 34:8 encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” A relationship with Christ allows us to experience joy that the world cannot offer.
God has good plans to prosper us
Not only does walking with God lead to satisfaction, He also has good plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). His will is meant to lead us into blessing, prosperity, and hope – not steal these things. As we seek Him first, He takes care of our needs (Matthew 6:31-33).
Romans 8:32 reminds us that God did not even spare giving us His very best – Christ – and will graciously give us all things. He wants to pour out blessings on those who walk closely with Him in obedience and relationship.
Living for self alone is unfulfilling
One reason God’s commands can seem restrictive is because living for self and fleshly desires alone does not satisfy long-term. Ecclesiastes shows the emptiness of living for worldly pleasure apart from God (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). Sensuality, wealth, and partying fail to give lasting meaning.
This teaches an important truth – obedience to God is not meant to steal joy, but living solely for self will never bring deep fulfillment. Only a life centered around Christ provides eternal satisfaction and hope (John 4:13-14).
Walking in the spirit grants life and peace
Though obeying God’s commands can seem difficult, Scripture teaches it ultimately leads to life and peace. Galatians 5 contrasts living by the flesh versus the spirit. While the flesh leads to brokenness and suffering, walking in the spirit yields love, joy, and self-control.
Romans 8:5-6 also distinguishes between a fleshly mindset of death and a spiritual mindset of life and peace. Obeying God is the path to hope and rest for our souls – not burdensome rules that steal happiness.
God’s plans lead to a hopeful future
Not only does obedience to God grant blessing in this life, but it also leads to an amazing future in eternity with Him. Walking in God’s ways allows us to store up treasures in heaven rather than putting our hope in fleeting worldly pleasures (Matthew 6:19-21).
1 Timothy 4:8 reminds us that godliness holds promise for the present life and the life to come. So obeying God is not limiting our joy, but actually securing it for eternity. His plans lead to our flourishing both now and forever.
We must nurture an eternal perspective
The key to seeing God’s way as life-giving rather than restrictive is nurturing an eternal perspective. Colossians 3:1-4 tells us to set our minds on the eternal, not earthly things. When we do this, obedience makes sense as God’s loving instructions for our best life.
Seeing life from an earthly view only can make God seem like a killjoy imposing on our happiness. But when we look through the lens of eternity, we see Him as a loving Father guiding us into blessings that last forever.
Conclusion
While God’s commands and call to surrender our wills can seem restrictive at times, He is truly a loving Father who knows what is best for us. His wisdom protects us from counterfeit pleasures that only satisfy for a time. Walking in His ways leads to blessing, prosperity, life, peace and eternal hope. Though obedience requires denying fleshly desires, it is the path to deeply satisfying joy both now and forever.
