Joy and Strength (Christian life and music)

I love to read.  In addition to the Bible, I read mostly Christian non-fiction.  But the Bible is always first. I tend to gravitate toward the classic writers and also contemporary writers who write deeply of Christ. I noticed that when I read other contemporary books - those that are popular and all the rage in Christian circles - there is sometimes a different tone about it. They are more me-centered.  They get me thinking more about myself than about Christ.   I get a nervous or anxious feeling when reading them. I was trying to come up with a good analogy for this.  The best I could come up with is this: one is like drinking an empty calorie drink - my flesh likes it, it may taste good, but it is useless to noursih me.  The other is like drinking the purest, cleanest, freshest, spring water.   Sorry, but that's the best I could come up with. One type of book makes me think of myself (hence, the anxiety and lack of peace), and the other draws me closer to Christ, helps me feel H

I read this passage in my quiet time this morning. I had to ask myself, what "wells" am I digging with hopes of quenching my "thirst" in place of Christ's living water? I know where it's at.  I know where true life, joy, peace, and contentment are found.  They are found in Christ alone, in no one or no place else.  Period. Oh there is fun to be had and frivolous stuff that may perk us up for a bit.  But in reality, they are powerless to fill our souls, fill our hearts, as only Jesus can. Yes, the Lord gave us this beautiful earth to not only steward, but to enjoy  We can grow to worship Him more when we think on everything as from His creative hand - the sun, moon, stars, oceans, mountains, and so much more.  All planned and made by design.  Even the waters of the Flood that carved out the modern world as we know it - His hand guided the water to give us the Grand Canyon and every other natural wonder that we see on earth. However, we are to worship the Crea