The Rhythm of the Rested

Today's Word of Wonder: Seated

The Scripture Spotlight for Today

"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."— Ephesians 2:6 (NIV)

The Devotion: Working FROM Victory, Not FOR It

By Day 2 of the New Year, the "New Year, New Me" adrenaline starts to meet reality. The to-do lists are growing, and the temptation to start running on our own strength returns. But the Gospel gives us a posture that defies the world’s pace: We are seated.

In the ancient world, to be "seated" meant the work was finished. A king sat down when the battle was won; a priest sat down when the sacrifice was complete. Paul tells us that spiritually, we aren't standing around trying to earn God’s favor, and we aren't running a race to prove our worth. We are seated with Christ.

The WOW Moment today is realizing that your position for 2026 is a seated one. When you are "in Christ Jesus," you aren't working for victory; you are working from victory. You aren't striving to get to a place of peace; you are starting your day already positioned in it.

This Friday, as the world starts its frantic "doing," choose a different rhythm. Carry your "seat" with you. Even when your hands are busy, let your heart remain seated in the finished work of Jesus. When you work from a place of rest, you’ll find that you are more productive, less stressed, and far more aware of the "Wonder" in every moment.

Wonder Prompt (Actionable Reflection)

Think of the biggest task or goal you have for this month.

• Action: Before you start working on it, take a literal seat. Sit down for 60 seconds and tell yourself: "I am already seated with Christ. This task does not define my worth; His love does."
  

• Shift: Notice how your stress level changes when you realize you aren't "climbing" a mountain today, but looking down from the victory already won.
  

• Prayer: "Lord, thank You that my position is secure. Even when my schedule is full, keep my heart seated in Your peace. Help me to move from a place of rest today. Amen."