The world’s version of battle and joy is striving and indulgence. Push hard, and then reward yourself with a little something. Work like a dog, then buy yourself a big-screen TV. It’s a cheap counterfeit of battle and a cheap counterfeit of joy.
If you walk with God, you will find yourself called up to the real thing. Intense battle. Authentic joy. The battle will find you. But you have to intentional about the joy.
John Eldredge, Walking With God, 114