Joy in All Seasons
As we anticipate the day in which we, as Christians, observe the birth of our Savior Jesus, we wait with joy and expectancy, knowing how this beautiful story unfolds. When we take a moment to appreciate that one day, this gentle, lowly baby would give His life for all humankind, it is enough to cause one to weep with gratitude. So, how do we take this spirit of joy into the days and weeks ahead. When the storms and shakings that 2025 are sure to bring, how can we set our minds on this “knowing”. Standing firm in a posture of humility, rejoicing forevermore in what Christ did at the cross. Triumphing over sin and death and defeating the army of darkness should be all we need to live with hope, and be secure in God’s love. But is it? How do we stay in this place of contentment and peace, when our emotions and our circumstances tell us otherwise?
The mission of Kingdom Mindset and the passion of my life, is to bring hope and healing to those who do not know they are in bondage. To aid in the revelation that can only come from God, Himself, that brings freedom to those in captivity. To restore the Father’s heart to His people and equip future generations to live from a renewed mind, which produces a life full of miracles and victories. With that being said, one of the keys to having strength and joy in ALL circumstances, is to focus on what brings the Lord joy. Because when we learn how to think as HE thinks, we will live in perfect peace.
In Nehemiah 8:10 it says, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The joy of the Lord is not like how humans would typically think about joy. Joy is not always a feeling, although sometimes it is. Joy is not equal in definition to happiness. And the Lord’s joy has nothing to do with our current situations in life, no matter how difficult it might seem to live from this mindset. Many times, the New Testament apostles talk about having joy in suffering… What does this mean?!
The joy of the Lord, the kind that brings us revelation, strength, and relentless hope, is based on two things. First, that we are children of God. And second, that He is with us. When God created the Garden of Eden, and Adam and Eve, it was with a perfect design. A beautiful paradise, where He spent time walking in deep intimacy with His son and daughter. Being part of a loving family was always the Father’s heart. So, how does this translate to our lives today, while we still exist in this chaotic and dysfunctional world?
We must first come into agreement with what brings the Creator of the Universe joy: to set our minds on the precious value and stabilizing security that comes from knowing we are sons and daughters of the Most High King. And then, to be aware that He, Emmanuel, is God with us. We have access to that same tangible experience that Adam and Eve had, of being in His presence. This is what Jesus established by coming to the earth and dying for our sins. That we would be reconciled to God with an unbreakable bond. A hope of eternal life. A love that heals all wounds, binds up the brokenhearted, and casts out every fear.
So, my challenge and gift to you this Christmas season, is to soak in this truth: The joy of the Lord is your strength. You are His family. He is with you and will never leave you. He is everything you need to rejoice and to be still, no matter what life brings. Revel with awe and wonder that Jesus made a way, He is the Way, in becoming part of a Holy Family. The Kingdom of Heaven is yours, because the Lamb of God was sacrificed on your behalf.
May you experience great peace during this precious season of waiting. May you be giddy with anticipation for the birth of the newborn King. And may supernatural joy flow from knowing that you are a beloved son or daughter of the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace, who is forever by your side. (Isaiah 9:6)
-Merry Christmas!
Dr. Jessica Stone
