This week’s devotions are based on “Rooted: Finding My Identity in Christ: I am confident! (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 1:20–23 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Paul ends his prayer by lifting our eyes to Jesus. God raised Christ from the dead, seated Him at His right hand, and placed Him “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion.” Then Paul gives us one of the most comforting truths in the passage: God appointed Christ to be “head over everything for the church.”
Jesus reigns.
That sounds simple, but it is easy to forget when life feels out of control. We look at the news, our circumstances, our families, our health, or our future, and it can seem like everything is uncertain. Fear grows when we believe that no one is in control.
Paul reminds us to look up.
The throne is occupied.
Jesus is not struggling to gain control. He has already conquered sin and death. He is not waiting to become King. He is reigning now.
And He reigns for the Church.
Think about a child sitting in the back seat of a car during a long road trip. The child may not know where they are going. They may not understand why Dad took a particular exit or why Mom decided to stop for gas. From the back seat, the journey can seem confusing. But the child doesn’t need to understand every turn. They simply need to trust the people who are driving.
We often want God to explain every turn in our lives. Why did this happen? Why hasn’t that prayer been answered? What will happen next?
God doesn’t always give us the answers we want. But He gives us something better. He gives us Himself.
Jesus is reigning, and He is reigning for His Church.
Romans 8:31 asks, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” That doesn’t mean Christians will never face trouble. It means trouble will never have the final word.
Your King is greater than your circumstances.
Your Savior is greater than your fears.
Your Shepherd is greater than your enemies.
Your future is greater than your present struggle.
So when you feel overwhelmed today, look up. Don’t pretend the problems aren’t real. Instead, remember that they are not greater than your Savior.
You may not know what tomorrow holds.
You may not understand what God is doing.
But you know who reigns.
And He reigns for you.
That is confidence.
Reflect: What situation in your life is hardest to trust to Christ’s control? How does knowing that Jesus reigns “for the church” change the way you face that situation?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when life feels uncertain, lift my eyes to You. Remind me that You have conquered sin and death and that You reign over all things for Your Church. Forgive me when I try to control what belongs in Your hands. Give me confidence to trust You even when I do not understand. Help me live today knowing that my King reigns and that I am safe in His care. Amen.