Happiness vs. Joy

I have a confession to make. I'm guilty at times of church envy. Occasionally I visit churches outside my fellowship -- especially when I'm out of town. Two weeks ago our family was with Susan's sister and brother-in-law in Keller and we visited Irving Bible Church. It's a very creative, vibrant fellowship with an amazing prayer room in the basement.

I also read about other churches, like the story that came to me by e-mail yesterday. The e-mail was an interview of the leader of Granite Bay church, located in the Sacramento, CA area. The church is only 10 years old and yet is already up to 10,000 members with plans to plant several other churches. In the interview with their pastor, he said that each Sunday for the church's 10 year history at least one person has come to faith in Christ. In my very honest moments, when I read of churches like this one, I ask myself, "Why couldn't I have been part of such a vibrant church?" I struggle with church envy.

Later yesterday afternoon I came across a book that someone donated -- Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. So many people have told me that I need to read this book, which I probably will. Being curious about the author, I glanced through Francine's afterword, where she told her testimony and about the writing of the book. These words really spoke to me as I realized my "grass is always greener" syndrome when it comes to envying other churches:

"I used to believe the purpose in life is to find happiness. I don't believe that anymore. I believe we are all given gifts from our Father, and that our purpose is to offer them to Him. He knows how He wants us to use them. I used to struggle to find happiness. I used to work hard to attain it. By the world's standards, I was successful. But it was all meaningless vanity. Now, I have joy. I have everything I ever wanted or dreamed of having: a love that is so precious I can find no words to describe it. I haven't received it through my own eforts. .. I have received it as a free gift from the Lord, the everlasting God. It is the same gift He offers you, every minute, every hour, every day of your life. I hope this story will help you see who Jesus is and how much He loves you. And may the Lord draw you to Him."

After reading Francine's words, I was convicted and reminded that as a follower of Jesus it is not happiness that I'm to pursue, but joy -- joy in knowing that I'm loved by Jesus, forgiven by Jesus and being used for His purposes. I want to and need to believe that Jesus put me in this city...in this ministry...at this time to fulfill His purpose. For His glory. And what could bring more joy than that? Nothing -- not even if I were in the "ideal" church.

Jim