The Secret to Finding Joy

As we live our lives on earth we seem to always be seeking something. A new romance leading to a spouse and a family, a career leading to a comfortable living or even wealth. We seek friendships and positions in society or in church. Though we are striving and seeking on our journey we sometimes forget that the experiences on the journey are the best part.

Pierre was a French archeologist and explorer who sought and found many antiquities during his career. A Paris television reporter interviewed him in an outside cafe on the Champs Elysees Avenue near his home.

Between sips of espresso, he reminisced about the times he had worked at different sites in Egypt and uncovered pottery, weapons, and other artifacts. Waving his arms in demonstrative circles He detailed adventures when he found underwater shipwrecks, and the ruins of ancient cities undersea in the Mediterranean.

The reporter asked him what he thought when he looked back on his career, now that he had retired.

He pondered a moment and remembered a great treasure hunter who had said that the joy was in the seeking. So, he told the journalist that he didn't understand that when he was young, but now, looking back he did. In fact, he agreed as the journey was the best part of all of his adventures. With all his success and some failures, he could honestly say that the joy did come in the seeking.

When the reporter asked him to explain further, holding that tiny cup of espresso in both hands he leaned forward as if to quietly tell a secret. He explained that his Bible has a scripture in Philippians 1:6 that says, "God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished."

He went on to explain that while he had sought knowledge and many treasures in his career, he sought a greater treasure in his life. He sought God. At first, he didn't believe, and then a friend in college shared the message of Christ with him. It changed his life. He said that He got it! Religion didn't do anything for him but this Christ who gave himself for him — he was in awe. Who was he that Christ would do that? From the moment he received Jesus into his heart he sought him. And not only him but God the Father as well.

The reporter was taken aback and yet her interest was piqued as this interview had taken a distinct turn. She asked him what his faith had to do with his career? 

Everything was his reply. As he sought new discoveries in the world of archeology it required study, research, and giving of himself to contemplating the details. And then after all of that, it required his physical presence on location to complete the work. Every step along his way was enlightening. When he looked back at it, he had one word to describe it — enjoyable.

The Frenchman's belief was that his faith journey paralleled his career journey. It also required study, research, and the giving of himself to contemplating the details. It led to a lifetime of study and prayer. And one day, one glorious day, it will require his physical presence on location in heaven to complete the work.

Jesus said, ”Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33 NLT)

He encouraged the reporter by telling her of the lifetime of great joy there is in seeking the Lord your God. The rewards are great as you seek but the treasure you gain in the end is unspeakable! Seek Him!

Copyright © 2019 Gene Markland, used with permission.