In high school, life can feel like a roller coaster—packed schedules, social circles, exams, and personal stuff that sometimes feels overwhelming. Maybe you've been to an awesome camp like BigStuf, where everything clicks, and joy feels easy. But how do you keep that joy alive once you're back home?
Meredith Knox shared some insights at BigStuf about extending the joy from camp into everyday life. Let's dive into her message and see how it can make a difference in school, at home, and with friends.
Devotion
1. Celebrating God Amid Challenges
Remember when the fire alarm went off during Meredith's session? Talk about a disruption! But instead of getting flustered, Meredith used it to refocus on God. Life throws curveballs—a canceled plan, a tough test, an argument with a friend. What if we saw these not as frustrations but as chances to pause and reconnect with God?
Scripture Reflection: James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
Reflection: Think about a recent disruption or challenge in your life. How did you handle it? Could viewing it as a growth opportunity change your perspective?
2. Joy as Our Inheritance
We often chase things that make us happy for a moment—a new phone, likes on a post, winning a game. But Meredith talked about a deeper joy that's always there because it's rooted in our relationship with Jesus. This joy isn't swayed by a bad day or a failed test; it's solid and unchanging.
Scripture Reflection: 1 Peter 1:8-9 "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: Are there parts of your life that feel joyless? How might focusing on your faith bring joy into those areas?
3. Maintaining Joy at Home
Leaving the camp bubble and returning to daily routines can be tough. The excitement fades, and old habits creep back in. Meredith emphasized being mindful of what we let into our lives—the shows we watch, the music we listen to, the people we hang out with. These all influence whether our joy grows or shrinks.
Scripture Reflection: Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Reflection: Take a moment to consider what you fill your time with. Are these things lifting you up or bringing you down? What changes could help you keep that camp joy going?
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4. The Power of Perspective
Meredith introduced the idea of having a "good eye"—looking at the world focusing on God's goodness, even when things aren't perfect. It's not just about being optimistic; it's about trusting that God is at work in every situation.
Scripture Reflection: Matthew 6:22-23 - "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to develop a 'good eye'? How can this perspective change the way you respond to life's challenges?
5. The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Think about your favorite movie without its soundtrack—it wouldn't have the same impact, right? Similarly, the "soundtrack" of our lives—the music we listen to, the conversations we have, even our thoughts—shapes how we feel and act.
Scripture Reflection: Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Reflection: What are you listening to lately? Do your playlists and chats boost your spirit or bring you down? Maybe it's time to mix in some tunes or topics that inspire you.
What to take away
High school years are full of challenges, but joy doesn't have to be fleeting or only tied to special events like camp. By shifting our perspective, being mindful of our influences, and rooting ourselves in our faith, we can carry a lasting joy with us every day.
Closing Prayer
God, help us see You in every moment—good or bad. Teach us to choose joy and to live boldly in our faith. Let the joy we felt at camp shine through us each day, showing others Your love and grace. Amen.
