"The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites; this is a permanent statute throughout your generations. For I have given them the tenth that the Israelites present to the Lord as a contribution for their inheritance. That is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.”

God will provide for us. If we follow him, serve him, and honor him, then he’ll give us the joy that’s needed. He’s a good God. He’s not ungracious! He has joy the world knows nothing about. He’ll never call us to serve him in vain, though there are bitter herbs of self-denial and sacrifice. Obedience is our greatest pleasure.

Stop thinking he’s taking something away, when he removes the pleasure of sin: He’s giving us the joy of himself. Yield yourself, wholeheartedly, and yield more by the day. You and I are only gaining!

First, “the Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites.” We love not the world, nor the things in the world, whether it be mother, father, sister, or brother. Luke 14:26, "“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters ​— ​yes, and even his own life ​— ​he cannot be my disciple." We don’t even love ourselves and our own will more than Christ.

Yield to him in everything. Make him your First Love, and your treasure. He will pay you back. He will fulfill the covenant obligations - the sweet and precious promises - to give us joy. Psalm 4:7 — "You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and new wine abound." He’ll give us power over sin, and the peace that comes with it. He’ll give us victory, and the joy of conquerors.

Do not fear! His goodness is too high to make serving Satan better. He who gives heaven certainly has joy now: It is doing God’s will by faith, and loving each other! John 15:11-12 — "“I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. “This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you."

Secondly, “For I have given them the tenth.” He provides contentment. He gives the bread of life, so we hunger no more. He makes us no longer thirst. Doing God’s will, which is BELIEVING on Christ, brings satisfaction in our deepest parts, as the Holy Spirit ministers to us.

He’s promised us joy in obedience, and he fulfills it. John 14:23 — "Jesus answered, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." He allows us to love our family and friends properly. No longer are we idolaters, but we walk in thanksgiving. He’s willing to share us with the world. 1 Corinthians 10:26 — "since the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it." He’s not selfish. He gives us good things to enjoy, as we maintain our heart's First Love.

“Love not the world,” is the RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS. Let us practice it fervently. In persecution, he rises up as a defense. In obedience, we find comfort in hard times. Never forsake God’s will. He’s leading us to deep treasures!

Thirdly, “that is why I told them that they would not receive an inheritance.” It is not because he’s cruel. It is not because he doesn’t care for us. It is not because he’s holding out on us, and doesn't want us to be happy! These are lies from the beginning. This is the deception of the evil one.

Just like in the Garden, God’s commandments are for our good. They keep us from guilt and shame, and they keep us in God’s presence, rather than fear, hiding, and vanity.

He meets every need, even in a world filled with thorns, by the Comforter who he’s given us. He makes us able to comfort others, and endure hardship. He uses our suffering for good, and he gives us more of himself thereby. He gives the joy of serving others! 2 Corinthians 1:4 - "who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God."

Don’t doubt God, dear saints! Come to him, poor sinner, and you’ll find a Friend in the time of need, and a Great God to give you rest. You’ll find out that God is love!