In a world where we eagerly share our latest Netflix binge or favorite new restaurant, we often hesitate when it comes to sharing our faith. What if we reframed our understanding of evangelism? What if, instead of seeing it as a religious duty, we saw it as an opportunity to share something truly meaningful and life-changing?

God’s directive to remain still, to wait and understand that He is near and powerful amid chaos and change—both the good and the bad—seems counterintuitive. The backwardness of it is probably why God told us to do so; otherwise, we’d pace back and forth, work ourselves to the bone, or fill our heads with worry.

If we can plan for the transitional moments of life, it might seem easier to embrace. But often those transitions happen with no warning. Maybe we can still embrace those turning points. Pushing the pause button and trusting God in the change of direction can bring a reassurance of His goodness.

Life is full of turning points – moments that shape our journey. Some of these may come in the form of loss, a universal human experience that can be as transformative as it is challenging. While we may instinctively try to avoid or ignore these difficult times, they can become the very catalysts God uses to change us and deepen our faith.

Like joy, contentment can be experienced no matter the season or circumstance of our lives. However, it won't come naturally to us. It's a skill and a secret that must be discovered.

Living out defiant joy isn't always easy. It's messy, sometimes flawed, and often challenging. But imagine what our world could look like if the followers of Jesus embraced this way of living? This isn't about achieving perfection. It's about progress, about gradually aligning our lives with timeless truths that bring freedom and peace.

Most people have pursuits in life that they are deeply passionate about - hobbies, careers, education, relationships - the things that take up our time and money. But Paul challenges the Christian that real joy is found in a better pursuit, one that strains for more of Jesus. How passionate for more of him are we?

In Paul's letter, we see his loves and his affections. We see his deepest desires. We find what matters most to him. And his treasure is found in Christ. His heart is embedded in Christ, and so his joy is embedded in Christ as well. The question for me - where is my treasure?

Paul reminds the church that our role as believers is not to harshly judge the world or to retreat into our own Christian bubbles. Instead, we are called to live in unity, demonstrating God's love and pointing others to Jesus through our actions and words, to shine bright for Him.

In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and individual success, there's a countercultural path that leads to true fulfillment and joy. This path, exemplified by Jesus Christ, challenges us to rethink our priorities and embrace a lifestyle of humility and service.