This week’s readings are based on the “Chill” sermon series. For this series, we are looking at God’s command to rest and the implications this has on our lives. Start resting with God by slowing down, reading the text, and then letting it read you.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. … And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 1:18-23; 2:6-9 (NIV)

There are two truths that need to be pointed out. First, Jesus Christ has been seated in the heavenly realms and given all authority. Second, through faith we can be seated with Him. Only in Him can we find rest, because He is the only one with the authority to give it. Most of the tension we experience in our lives comes from trying to find rest in our own authority.

Do you believe that Jesus has all authority? Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to give Him authority? Pray about these questions.