Where are you finding your joy?

I remember the first time I was excited about joy (if that makes sense). The David Crowder Band was crucial to my heart for worship in high school. Their music was executed so well, and saturated with Jesus. So, when I heard their song "You are my Joy" I was pumped up about God being my joy. I think what happened was I never saw Jesus as my source for joy. Joy was just another churchy word that I had become numb to with the many years of being involved in a church (which I am definitely thankful for). 

What's crazy is, just like in high school, I have to be reminded of the source of my joy. 

This summer I was wallowing in so much self pity, narrow-minded to my own world and problems. In the midst of my wallowing I was seeking out happiness, forgetting the beauty and satisfaction found only in the joy of Christ. Praise God, I had a breaking point a couple of weekends ago. Like a brick wall, “the JOY of the LORD is my STRENGTH” came barging at me. Once I realized how much I had allowed myself to become numb and ignorant to this blessing of Christ, I knew why my spirit was so perpetually heavy. As simple as changing my mindset and focusing on this joy has already made the biggest difference.

I know sometimes its not so easy to just switch your mindset. Sometimes we like wallowing (let's be honest). But, I pray that today you will meditate on where you are finding your joy (or are you seeking fleeting happiness?). Is this pursuit productive to your spirit and walk with Christ, or causing you to wallow in your own troubles, or to indulge in your flesh's desires? 

Remember ultimate satisfaction (joy) is found in our LORD, and only Him. 

Here's a few verses after my quick Biblegateway search for "joy":

• Psalm 4:7
• Psalm 63:6-8
• Psalm 51:11-12
• Psalm 84:1-3
• Isaiah 29:18-19
• Romans 15:13
• Galatians 5:22
• 1 Thess 1:5-6
• James 1:2

Have a joyful day, ladies!

Love,

Katy

Katy Martin is a senior graphic design major at Radford University. She is a key leader at BCM, helping with the Creativity Team and Women's Group. She loves coffee, photography, and Africa.