Ephesians 1:4b-8a - “Because of his love God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children - this was his pleasure and purpose. Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God.”

Wow. Kinship to the Creator of all that is both seen and unseen. And not distantly related, but actual sons and daughters! That makes us brothers and sisters to Christ Himself! And our own sinless brother has given his blood, his life, freely and willingly so that we might ourselves be set free from the burdens and bondage of our sins. Reread today’s verses slowly and deliberately, soaking in every syllable. Can you feel the Spirit? Do you understand the utter limitlessness of God’s love? We have no need to stew, fret, or worry about anything at all - ever. God is in control, as He has been and always will be. When we stress out, it is because we have this misconception that we have lost control. All we need to do is remember that as a direct descendant of God, He will never leave us or forsake us. He will always be there with His army of angels to protect us. His Spirit resides in us and it is that Spirit that we should let loose to control us. We have every reason to feel light as a feather since our burdens have been nailed to the cross. Center your very being on the Lord. How can we ever be anything other than full of joy when we are have the knowledge of the great grace of God?