Seated in Joy

October 26, 2025

Your focus determines your experience, look away from problems and toward Jesus.

Today, we'll explore a profound truth that can transform how we face life's challenges. When we understand our true position in Christ and where our strength comes from, everything changes.

Looking Beyond the Natural

Our journey begins with Peter's remarkable experience of walking on water, which teaches us a vital lesson about faith:

"Come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. - Matthew 14:29-30

What happened to Peter? When his focus shifted from Jesus to the storm, he began to sink. This illustrates a principle found in Hebrews:

"We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith's perfection." - Hebrews 12:2

Jesus himself demonstrated this principle. When facing the cross, his heart remained focused on the joy of knowing we would be his. This perspective enabled him to endure tremendous suffering. Similarly, when we face difficulties, our focus should not be on our problems but on our connection with God.

Seated with Christ

One of the most powerful revelations in Scripture concerns our spiritual position:

"For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:6

This isn't merely symbolic language but your spiritual reality. You are not seated with your problems, pain, or disappointments. You are co-seated with Christ at the right hand of God's throne! This position of authority and intimacy is where you operate from, regardless of what's happening in your natural circumstances.

When you truly grasp this truth, it changes how you pray. Many believers spend time begging God to "come down" because they don't understand they're already united with Him. The Bible clearly states you are co-seated with Jesus. This knowledge sets you free and empowers you to rise above circumstances that would otherwise overwhelm you.

The Joy of the Lord

As we continue exploring this truth, we discover an important principle about strength in Nehemiah:

"And Nehemiah continued, 'Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'" - Nehemiah 8:10

The context reveals something surprising. The people were weeping as they listened to God's Word being read, but Nehemiah instructed them not to mourn or weep because the day was holy to the Lord. This challenges religious thinking that equates sadness with holiness.

The Scripture continues:

"Then the governor Nehemiah, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, 'Don't mourn or weep on such a day as this, for today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.' For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law." - Nehemiah 8:9

Joy isn't optional for believers; it's the very source of our strength! This isn't about forced happiness but about knowing who you are in Christ, where you're seated, and what that means for your daily life.

Compromising Your Position

When you start compromising and accepting your feelings over God's truth, you begin to think you're alone. You focus on who didn't help you rather than on who God says you are. The Bible reminds us:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" - Philippians 4:4

Your strength lies in the joy of knowing what Jesus has done for you and who you are in Christ. This joy comes through Jesus. It's not just about laughing outwardly but being joyful inside because you understand your spiritual identity.

Relationship Over Religion

Religious thinking says you must clean yourself up before approaching God. But that's impossible! If you could make yourself clean, why would Jesus need to die on the cross? It's like telling someone to get clean without taking a shower.

You can't clean yourself before coming into God's presence. Instead, you come to Him as you are, and He cleanses you. Religion focuses on your performance; relationship focuses on His presence.

Even when you make mistakes, come into God's presence. Don't run away. Your Father loves you deeply. The joy of the Lord is your strength, not your own efforts or religious performances.

Conclusion

Your strength doesn't come from your circumstances or abilities but from the joy of knowing who you are in Christ and where you're seated with Him. When you focus on this spiritual reality rather than natural problems, you'll find yourself walking above the very waves that once threatened to drown you.

Today, choose to look away from the natural realm and fix your gaze on Jesus. Remember that you are co-seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above every storm and struggle. Let the joy of this truth be your strength.

Reflect on This

1. How might your experience of challenges change if you truly believed you are seated with Christ above every problem you face?

2. In what ways have you been approaching God from a religious perspective rather than a relationship perspective?

   
   

Prayer

Father, I declare that I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above every problem and challenge I face. I choose to focus not on my circumstances but on my position in You. Your joy is my strength, and I receive it fully today. I am not defined by my struggles but by my relationship with You. Thank You that I don't need to clean myself up to come to You. You welcome me as I am and transform me by Your presence. I walk in the authority You've given me, refusing to be overwhelmed by what I see in the natural realm. In Jesus' name, I am strong, I am positioned in victory, and I am filled with Your joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• Focus determines experience: look away from problems and toward Jesus.

• You are co-seated with Christ in heavenly places, giving you spiritual authority over earthly challenges.

• The joy of the Lord is your strength, not an emotion but a position of confidence in who God is and who you are in Him.

• Religion demands performance; relationship offers presence. Come to God as you are.

• Your spiritual position is more real than your natural circumstances. Live from this truth.

  
  

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.