The Joyful Will of a Sovereign God
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Before we ever reached for God, He was reaching for us.
Ephesians 1 pulls back the curtain on a staggering truth: God’s saving work began before we responded in faith.
“He chose us in him before the foundation of the world… In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will...” (Ephesians 1:4–5)
This doesn't mean our faith is irrelevant—Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But even our faith is a response to the grace that came first. God initiates. We respond. And He takes joy in doing it.
Think of it like this: adoption doesn’t start the day a child enters their new home. It starts with a choice—a decision by the parent to set their love on that child, to pay every cost, to welcome them in fully and forever. That’s the picture Paul gives us. God chose us in Christ before we even existed, not based on our future performance, but because of His own loving will.
That truth should undo every ounce of striving in us. You were not rescued relductantly. You were not sealed with a conditional love. You were brought into God’s family because He delighted to do it. And at the same time, this knowledge doesn’t make us passive—it transforms us. The more we grasp God’s joyful love, the more our hearts are moved to worship Him not just with our lips, but with our lives.
And Paul doesn’t stop there—he prays we would actually see this:
“That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, that you may know the hope to which he has called you...” (Ephesians 1:18)
This kind of hope isn’t based on circumstances or feelings. It’s anchored in the eternal will of a God who secured it in Christ. When we begin to understand the riches of our inheritance in Him, and the power God has directed toward us, everything starts to shift—our identity, our confidence, even how we face suffering.
And all of it—every spiritual blessing, every hope-filled promise—is secured under the sovereign authority of Christ:
“He put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church...” (Ephesians 1:22)
The One who loved you before time began is the same One who reigns over all things now. There is no part of your life that lies outside His power or His care. Your salvation, your present trials, your future hope—all of it rests under the feet of Jesus.
And that is why Paul can’t help but praise. When we see the scope of God's delight and the sweep of Christ’s rule, worship isn’t forced—it’s the only fitting response.
Reflection Question
What would it change in your daily life to believe that God’s love for you began with His joyful will—and that Christ now reigns over every detail?
Prayer (adapted from Ephesians 1:17–23)
Father of glory,
give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation
so that I may know You more deeply.
Enlighten the eyes of my heart
to see the hope of Your calling,
the riches of Your glorious inheritance,
and the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe.
Thank You that You raised Christ from the dead
and seated Him above every rule and authority.
Thank You that You placed all things under His feet
and gave Him as head over all things for the church.
Let my life bring praise to the glory of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Further Reflection
📖 Ephesians 1
📖 2 Timothy 1:9
📖 Ephesians 2:8–10
📖 Philippians 2:9–11
Prayer (adapted from Ephesians 1:17–23)
Father of glory,
give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation
so that I may know You more deeply.
Enlighten the eyes of my heart
to see the hope of Your calling,
the riches of Your glorious inheritance,
and the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe.
Thank You that You raised Christ from the dead
and seated Him above every rule and authority.
Thank You that You placed all things under His feet
and gave Him as head over all things for the church.
Let my life bring praise to the glory of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
