Blog List Sidebar

Home  /  Blog List Sidebar

aaaaaaAs we get closer to Christmas, life has a way of speeding up. Calendars fill, pressure increases, and before we

2026-01-09 12:09:13  

Encouragement for Leaders and Families

As we get closer to Christmas, life has a way of speeding up. Calendars fill, pressure increases, and before we realize it, joy can slip away.

After weeks of grinding in the office, Rick and I felt the Lord clearly say, �Stop. Go outside. Breathe.� In that moment, it hit us; we were getting things done, but we didn�t want to miss time together, joy of the season, and His presence in the process.

That pause became a reminder we need this time of year.


Why the Enemy Targets Joy During the Holidays

Many trusted pastors and spiritual mentors warn about this season for a reason. It�s when Satan loves to steal your joy.

I�ve seen it firsthand, i�ve lived it. There was a Christmas season not long ago when anger, frustration, and negativity crept in; and I let it rob a moment that should have been filled with laughter, family, and memories. My kids were there, my grandkids were there, joy was ready to happen�but I let it slip away.

That�s the battle.

And if you�re serving faithfully in KOZ, it shouldn�t surprise you. You�re in a spiritual war; and one of the enemy�s favorite tactics is attacking your joy and then accuse you of failing somewhere else.


�Rejoice� I Say It Again, Rejoice� (Philippians 4:4)

Our pastor recently preached from one of the most powerful passages in Scripture:

�Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice� Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.� � Philippians 4:4�6

Pay attention to the order here. Before Paul says �be anxious for nothing,� he says rejoice�and then he repeats it.

God used that message as a wake-up call for me. I realized something clearly: if I�m not joyful, I�m not trusting. So I gave it back to Jesus, and everything shifted.


Guard Your Heart, Guard Your Home

As leaders, we are warriors for the Kingdom. We take ground in enemy territory, rescue boys, and fight for their hearts.

But, you�ll never feel like a good leader if you�re not leading your family well.

Your example shows in how you love your wife and how you respond under pressure reveals your heart. Others notice it most in tense moments and frustration. Ultimately, joy is guarded by the way you live it out.

This is what we are modeling for the next generation of men, husbands, and fathers.


When the Pressure Rises�Take a Minute

When the house gets loud�
At times, the schedule feels overwhelming�
And sometimes, anger starts to rise�

Take a minute.

Step outside for fresh air.

Walk to the mailbox.
Head to the garage or down the street.

Then pray something as simple as this:

�Jesus, I need You.
Satan, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.
Lord, bring me joy.�

After that, go back inside, and don�t give the enemy what doesn�t belong to him.


Stay Prayed Up. Stay Focused. Stay Joyful.

The battle is won in prayer.
In the same way, your family�s battle is also won in prayer.
Meanwhile, the boys you mentor are impacted by your faithfulness; one Saturday morning, one text, one phone call at a time.

This season, don�t let imperfect moments steal what God intends to be joyful.

Stay guarded.
Stay prayed up.
And rejoice.

By, RittwikDas