joy unending

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" ~John 15:11

This morning at church the visiting pastor taught on joy.  He used the first eleven verses of John 15 as his sermon text.  He encouraged us to "abide in Him" as Jesus told the disciples.  He also encouraged us to seek joy in the Father, because nowhere else can true, real joy be found.

And I think somewhere during the offertory the Lord showed me that I am seeking joy elsewhere. 

I am looking for joy in how my day went. 
I am seeking joy in people I hang out with, phone calls I make, things I fill my calendar with.
I am trying to find joy in stuff I have, or want, or "need".
I am not seeking joy in the Lord.

True, real joy is only found in Him, regardless of circumstance.  The Lord is the only Source of unending joy.  And when I abide in His love, He promises that His joy will remain in me.  And even more, that my joy will be full. 

I want my heart to be full of His joy.  I pray for my heart - that it will be overflowing with "joy that is full".