Tim. 6:17 ¶ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
Psa. 16:11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
God created us with the capacity to experience pleasure. Somehow, we in the church have come to the strange conclusion that the idea of experiencing pleasure is contrary to a life of holiness. Actually, there is a pleasure which represents the highest level of holiness. God honors our righteous acts of obedience done out of the sense of duty as a noble thing. When we obey Him contrary to all our inclinations, God praises us for doing the right thing on His behalf, but what brings God the greatest glory is when, out of loves influence, we take pleasure in obedience and in doing righteous acts.
Psalm 40:8 is a messianic Psalm and reveals the heart of Jesus, as the Son of Man, toward His Father and His Fathers will. “I delight to do Thy will, oh my God.”
This is the highest moral state we can walk in; when we are taking pleasure in doing His will. This is true liberty; true freedom. When we come to that place of liberty by abiding in His love. His great love subdues our wills and liberates our hearts to a life of holy delight and pleasure. Therefore, the highest and holiest state of mind is “pleasure.”