How to Have Fun (with God)
- Andrew Eddins
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
Somewhere along the way, many of us divided life into two modes:
Be serious with God.
Have fun without God.
We assume that God belongs in “religious” spaces—church, Bible study, prayer—but not in the places where we play, laugh, or unwind. It’s as if God waits somewhere else while we enjoy the fun parts of life.
That mindset might come from reverence, which isn’t bad. But imagine if my son only had fun when I wasn’t around—if he grew serious and cautious whenever I entered the room. That would break my heart.
God doesn’t just want your “spiritual moments.” He wants your joy. He wants to join you in hikes, hobbies, laughter, and games. He wants to “rejoice over you with gladness” (Zeph. 3:17).
Jesus modeled this balance beautifully. He prayed, worshiped, and observed Sabbath—but He also attended weddings, shared meals, and was accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Matt. 11:19). Of course, Jesus never misused food or drink, but that reputation says something: He was fun. He laughed, enjoyed life, and embraced His Father’s good gifts. It’s hard to imagine Jesus without joy.
Having fun with God deepens our trust and invites us into childlike faith. It reminds us that joy isn’t limited to ideal circumstances.
I learned that lesson one frantic day at the Orlando airport. My wife and I were trying to catch an early flight home to escape an incoming hurricane. The security line was packed, our anxiety high. And there, in the middle of the chaos, was our one-year-old son—hanging upside down on the railing, giggling like a monkey.
While I was stressing, he was playing. God used that moment to whisper: There is always room for joy. Even in uncertainty, there’s room for laughter, for play, for trust. We may face real problems, but we are never invited to face them without joy and confidence in God’s care.
So what would it look like to have fun with God today?
For me, it often happens on the basketball court. For years, I thought God didn’t care about something as “trivial” as basketball—that He was waiting for me at my next spiritual activity. But one afternoon, as I shot hoops under swaying trees and warm sunlight, joy welled up inside me. I realized God was already there.
Now, before free throws, I whisper, “Thank you, God, for this moment. Thank you for play. Thank you that my body works. Thank you that I’m out of breath. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
I’m not just playing basketball anymore.I’m playing basketball with God.
What about you? What do you love so much that you lose track of time? Cooking? Painting? Gardening? Running? Whatever it is, consider this framework for inviting God into it:
Start with gratitude.Before you begin, pause and thank God for the gift of the activity—whether it’s a game night, a walk, a sport, or a creative hobby. A simple prayer like, “Lord, thank You for the joy of this moment. Be here with me.” sets the tone.
Enjoy with awareness.As you’re engaged, notice beauty, laughter, creativity, or teamwork as signs of God’s presence. Pay attention to how joy itself is a gift from Him.
Include others.If you’re with friends or family, intentionally share kindness, encouragement, or laughter that builds others up. God often joins in through community.
Reflect afterwards.Take a minute at the end to acknowledge God’s goodness in the experience. “That was so fun, Lord—thank You for being in it with me.”
Integrate Scripture or song.Play music that reminds you of God’s joy, or recall verses like Ecclesiastes 3:13 (“that everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God”).
Offer the activity as worship.Tell God: “I do this for You. May my joy bring You glory.” It transforms even ordinary fun into something sacred.
Here are some practical examples of how this framework can fit into a fun activity:
🎲 Board Games / Game Night
Before starting: Pray a short blessing like, “God, thank You for laughter and togetherness. Help us play with joy and kindness.”
During the game: Notice moments of laughter as gifts from Him. Encourage others and celebrate their wins.
Afterwards: Thank God for the relationships strengthened through play.
🏀 Sports / Physical Play
Before starting: Stretch or warm up with gratitude: “Thank You, Lord, for this body and the ability to move.”
During the game: Practice good sportsmanship as a reflection of Christ’s character—cheering, encouraging, forgiving mistakes.
Afterwards: Thank God for energy, fun, and any lessons about teamwork or perseverance.
🌲 Hiking / Outdoors
Before starting: Ask God to open your eyes to His creation.
During the hike: Pause to notice beauty—a bird, a view, the air—and say quietly, “You made this, Lord. Thank You.”
At the summit or finish: Pray a Psalm of praise (like Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God.”)
🎨 Art / Creativity
Before starting: Dedicate your project to God: “Let this creativity flow from You.”
During: As you paint, write, or build, think about God as the ultimate Creator and how you’re reflecting Him.
Afterwards: Share your creation with gratitude: “This is my little offering back to You.”
🎶 Music / Dancing
Before starting: Pray, “Fill this time with joy and freedom, Lord.”
During: Sing or move as an expression of praise—even if it’s not a worship song, enjoy it as a gift from Him.
Afterwards: Thank Him for the emotions and energy music stirred up in you.
🍳 Cooking / Baking
Before starting: Pray over the ingredients, thanking God for provision.
During: Invite God into the process by being mindful and joyful in the act of preparing food.
Afterwards: Pray over the meal and those who will eat it.
Whatever you do, assume that God wants to join you—and you may discover your joy pointing you back to the Designer of Joy Himself.
Fun with God is never wasted. It’s training us to notice Him everywhere.
