Chariots of Fire is one of my favorite movies with many quotes that I absolutely love. You probably have heard the famous quote by Eric Liddle, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure.” I could write volumes about this wonderful quote but let’s just take a moment to think about this fabulous quote.

As Christians it’s important that we operate in the talents and gifts God gives us. And when you do, you should feel God’s pleasure. There’s nothing else like it! Nothing!

But what if you don’t feel God’s pleasure? Life can be tough, and there will be days you may not feel like getting out of bed, much less experience God’s pleasure. Press on and don’t lose heart.

As you’re growing in the Lord and doing what He has called you to do, you will be soaring like and eagle because God has given you your gifts and talents. Walking in what God has called you to do will give you great joy. But, possibly you’re not operating in your spiritual gifts or could it be…you don’t know the Lord at all?

Do you remember Harold M. Abrahams? He was another runner in the movie, Chariots of Fire. There’s a scene in the movie where Harold is talking to another runner, Aubrey. He says to him, “You, Aubrey, are my most complete man. You’re brave, compassionate, kind: a content man. That is your secret, contentment; I am 24 and I’ve never know it. I’m forever in pursuit and I don’t even know what I am chasing.”

I think about the millions of people in our world who are doing the same thing. Forever in pursuit and not knowing what they’re chasing. Could this be you? People are desperately trying to fill the void, the empty vacuum in their lives. All the fame, money, beauty, power, family and friends can’t fill it.

I enjoy watching Barbara Walters interview the many Hollywood stars. They seem to have it all, but often if you watch them long enough many say in so many words, I’m still looking for more.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the only thing that will ever give us true joy and lasting contentment. I like how the Amplified Bible explains, I Timothy 1:6-7 says,
[And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain. For we brought nothing into the world and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world.

“Get busy living or get busy dying!”  This quote from The Shawshank Redemption is certainly an interesting quote. I don’t want to tell someone to get busy dying, but the fact remains we’re all going to die. How can you get busy living…by pursuing godliness. If that’s your life’s ambition, you will have complete contentment—the contentment that Harold Abrahams was so desperately looking for.

My friend do you feel God’s pleasure? For it’s “In him we live and move and have our being…” (Acts 17:28).

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