One of the most helpful truths to bring to mind deliberately at the beginning of each day is the truth that Jesus is actively reigning over this world at this very second.
It was the realization of the resurrection and the reign of Jesus as Lord over all things that gave both focus and drive to the apostles and early Christians. For example, in Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus, it is a dominant part of His pastoral exhortation to tell them that he was praying that they might be gripped by this reality. In Ephesians 1:18-23, Paul tells these Christians that his prayer is that they might know the power of the resurrected Christ and the certainty and blessing that came because of it. The way that Paul explains the greatness of the power that is available to the church is by pointing to where Jesus is now. Paul declares confidently that God has seated Jesus at His right hand "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." Paul prays that they would know that Jesus has daily and perpetual authority over every earthly power that exists. That is crucial for the Christians to know because as Paul subsequently adds "And He (meaning God) put all things under His feet (meaning Jesus' feet), and gave Him as head over all things to the church..." Did you hear that? Jesus is right now reigning over everything in the world. Every government, every employer, every element of nature and health and economics and policing... every thing is in subjection to Him. And God gave Jesus as head over all things to the church.
Let me state this simply. It has always been the one thing that has helped grant courage to Christians and focus to their daily existence - to remember that Jesus is working in all things to build His church and to expand His kingdom. In Acts 2, if you read the first sermon of the post-resurrection Christian church at Pentecost, what they declare is that God has made this Jesus whom they crucified, Lord over all.
As you start your day, are you deliberately mindful that Jesus is powerfully reigning over all things right now? Do you realize that God has given Him to us as the supreme Resource as we seek that God's kingdom would come and will would be done on earth as it is in heaven? Never live as if you do not have all the power in the universe at your disposal to live the life that God has called you to live. No fear. No fogginess. Be of good courage! Jesus lives and reigns, and He is leading you and me as His people triumphantly forward. You can do all things, through Christ who strengthens you.
