As we assembled this week’s issue of the Sentinel, a shared conviction surfaced in our editorial meetings: Joy is not distant or fragile, but is present, strong—and spiritually active. We all have joy, always, because its source is God, not circumstances. We were reminded that even in the midst of world events that feel intense and polarizing, calm and joy can be found by turning to God.
That conviction shaped the issue. The featured pieces offer glimpses into how individuals are actively living their spiritual practice and seeing tangible results. The quiet power of persistence and sincerity keeps us from feeling helpless when addressing hard things. Committing to a Christlike view re-orients thought toward mercy and compassion. The pieces point to something we kept circling back to in our conversations: that a deeper understanding of joy doesn’t need to be postponed until circumstances improve, but can be discovered now through spiritual engagement.
When thought turns to God, joy doesn’t merely comfort; it restores, heals, and quietly reshapes how we show up, each day.
