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Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God
You know how to enjoy friends and family, good food, and good times, but do you enjoy being a Christian? Author Sam Storms presents a fresh and liberating perspective on why a relationship with God is not only possible but also irresistibly pleasurable. Once you discover that God delights in your company, your desire for Him will only be satisfied by drawing closer to His unquenchable love through a life of passionate service.
317 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2000
35 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Sam Storms
79 books138 followers(Some early works written as C. Samuel Storms)
Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000-2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He's a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.
Sam has spent 39 years in ministry as a pastor, professor and author. He was visiting Associate Professor of Theology at Wheaton College from 2000-2004, and is currently Lead Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. He has authored 22 books and founded Enjoying God Ministries. He's a graduate of The University of Oklahoma (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M) and The University of Texas (Ph.D.). He and his wife Ann have been married for 40 years and are the parents of two grown daughters and have four grandchildren. On a more personal level, Sam loves baseball, books, movies, and anything to do with the Oklahoma Sooners.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 16, 2012
This book has been overshadowed by Piper's more famous *Desiring God,* which is unfortunate. Storms argues along similar lines as Piper: actively seeking to enjoy God for God's sake increases our own joy. Storms is not simply "aping" Piper. The book is devoid of Piperisms. Rather, Storms, like Piper, is aping Jonathan Edwards, and the church is richer for it.
Some people are turned off by Piper for various reasons, and will likely miss the good he offers. Storms does not have the same popularity, but for that reason he will likely reach those people. The book is well-written and has a sound thesis. There are many pastoral insights. Highly recommended.
Some people are turned off by Piper for various reasons, and will likely miss the good he offers. Storms does not have the same popularity, but for that reason he will likely reach those people. The book is well-written and has a sound thesis. There are many pastoral insights. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2024
When I first had this book, I thought it had to do with our life in eternity, in the new heaven and earth. Since I was reading other books on that topic, I put off reading this book. Then one day, I saw that phrase in the Bible—“pleasures evermore.” I thought of the book and had a sudden urge to read it.
It has changed my thinking on the concept of the glory of God. One of the Biblical ideas I have been especially intrigued with lately is the joy of the Lord that He so earnestly wants us to experience. He is even described as enduring the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). His prayer in John 17 explains “these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” This book gives me further understanding of that concept.
God knows that none of us can have any higher pleasures in our lives than we can have while staying true to Him. First Samuel 12:22 tells us “the Lord will not abandon His people on account of his great name. . .” As Storms says, “The fundamental reason for God’s commitment to His people is His prior commitment to His own name. . .God’s name is at stake in your destiny. What happens to you reflects on the glory of God’s reputation. That is why He will not cast you away.”
The book was published in 2000. We still hear preached that we are not on earth to pursue happiness, but rather to glorify God. Storms challenges this teaching, saying “there is no greater way to glorify God than to find in Him the happiness that my soul so desperately craves.” We cannot glorify God or find enduring happiness by pursuing worldly pleasures that are forbidden by God.
Another great reflection of the author: “My most intense spiritual pain is when I find myself drawn to those things that repel God and repelled by those things that draw Him. My most satisfying spiritual pleasure is when I find myself drawn to those things that draw God and repelled by those things that repel Him.”
I appreciate the author’s admiration for and recognition of the greatness of Jonathan Edwards and his writing. Storms quotes from many writers, some of whom do not do much for me. But Edwards deserves the honor. He is not one you often find quoted in devotional readings. There is much to choose from of the Edwardsian gems Storms has cited, but this passage is hard to beat: “[In Jesus] the longing soul may be satisfied and the hungry soul may be filled with goodness. The delight and contentment that is to be found here, passeth understanding, and is unspeakable and full of glory. It is impossible for those who ever tasted of this fountain, and know the sweetness of it, ever to forsake it. The soul has found the river of water of life, and it desires no other drink; it has found the tree of life, and it desires no other fruit.”
Storms states that he wrote the book because “All of us want to not sin.” He says that the key to not sinning is to enjoy God above all else. We experience His glory in us when we enjoy Him. Psalm 119 is all about the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts, which will keep us from sinning. This book makes me resolve to be more diligent in doing just that and to pursue the kind of joy and pleasure that God knows is the highest we can ever experience here on earth. We don’t have to wait for heaven to taste some of “the kingdom of heaven” right where we are.
It has changed my thinking on the concept of the glory of God. One of the Biblical ideas I have been especially intrigued with lately is the joy of the Lord that He so earnestly wants us to experience. He is even described as enduring the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2). His prayer in John 17 explains “these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” This book gives me further understanding of that concept.
God knows that none of us can have any higher pleasures in our lives than we can have while staying true to Him. First Samuel 12:22 tells us “the Lord will not abandon His people on account of his great name. . .” As Storms says, “The fundamental reason for God’s commitment to His people is His prior commitment to His own name. . .God’s name is at stake in your destiny. What happens to you reflects on the glory of God’s reputation. That is why He will not cast you away.”
The book was published in 2000. We still hear preached that we are not on earth to pursue happiness, but rather to glorify God. Storms challenges this teaching, saying “there is no greater way to glorify God than to find in Him the happiness that my soul so desperately craves.” We cannot glorify God or find enduring happiness by pursuing worldly pleasures that are forbidden by God.
Another great reflection of the author: “My most intense spiritual pain is when I find myself drawn to those things that repel God and repelled by those things that draw Him. My most satisfying spiritual pleasure is when I find myself drawn to those things that draw God and repelled by those things that repel Him.”
I appreciate the author’s admiration for and recognition of the greatness of Jonathan Edwards and his writing. Storms quotes from many writers, some of whom do not do much for me. But Edwards deserves the honor. He is not one you often find quoted in devotional readings. There is much to choose from of the Edwardsian gems Storms has cited, but this passage is hard to beat: “[In Jesus] the longing soul may be satisfied and the hungry soul may be filled with goodness. The delight and contentment that is to be found here, passeth understanding, and is unspeakable and full of glory. It is impossible for those who ever tasted of this fountain, and know the sweetness of it, ever to forsake it. The soul has found the river of water of life, and it desires no other drink; it has found the tree of life, and it desires no other fruit.”
Storms states that he wrote the book because “All of us want to not sin.” He says that the key to not sinning is to enjoy God above all else. We experience His glory in us when we enjoy Him. Psalm 119 is all about the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts, which will keep us from sinning. This book makes me resolve to be more diligent in doing just that and to pursue the kind of joy and pleasure that God knows is the highest we can ever experience here on earth. We don’t have to wait for heaven to taste some of “the kingdom of heaven” right where we are.
May 26, 2019
This book was incredible. He admits to leaning heavily on John Piper and Jonathan Edwards, but I found his writing to be much more readable than Piper. The first 2/3 of the book was so good—the last few chapters didn’t connect with me, as much, but overall this is one I think any believer would benefit from, and I learned a lot that I also anticipate applying in ministry.
June 10, 2017
I'm giving this book 4 stars based on the first 10 chapters of this book. The last 4 chapters were more difficult for me to get through, and I could have done without.
But overall, this was an thought-provoking read. It really helps you fall in love with Jesus all over again.
But overall, this was an thought-provoking read. It really helps you fall in love with Jesus all over again.
April 20, 2019
This is the third or fourth time I've read this book and each time it has blessed me!! It is easy to read and understand, but the truths it teaches are profound and life-changing if one takes them to heart.
January 11, 2018
Another book that really helped me to understand the delight that we are called to have in God
July 3, 2014
I believe this book could set you free in so many ways AND fixed a warped view of God so prevalent today. I believe it will help you see God is NOT trying to take away your pleasures in life as you yield to Him, but give you "pleasures forevermore". That will dwarf all other pleasures.
This book will get you out of a works mentality. You will discover that the way to a holy and joyful walk before the Lord is NOT by a bunch of "do's" and "don't" but by falling in love with Jesus. This book will help you fall in love with Jesus.
While this book is very similar in many ways to John Piper's "Desiring God" it is in my opinion MUCH better! That is my personal opinion, but every time I pick up Piper's "Desiring God" though rich in many truths I find myself having to push myself through it. While this book has some (many) of the same themes. I think it is much more readable and in my opinion much clearer. If you struggled like me through "Desiring God". This is the book for you. If you loved "Desiring God" then you will still love this book. It's a keeper in my library.
Enjoy, and may God transform your life as you read this book.
This book will get you out of a works mentality. You will discover that the way to a holy and joyful walk before the Lord is NOT by a bunch of "do's" and "don't" but by falling in love with Jesus. This book will help you fall in love with Jesus.
While this book is very similar in many ways to John Piper's "Desiring God" it is in my opinion MUCH better! That is my personal opinion, but every time I pick up Piper's "Desiring God" though rich in many truths I find myself having to push myself through it. While this book has some (many) of the same themes. I think it is much more readable and in my opinion much clearer. If you struggled like me through "Desiring God". This is the book for you. If you loved "Desiring God" then you will still love this book. It's a keeper in my library.
Enjoy, and may God transform your life as you read this book.
January 27, 2008
pretty good so far... really challenging to how impacting the love of jesus can be in every day life.
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August 2, 2023
I learned so much from this book.
June 11, 2009
I love this guy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews