As the Day Begins
The Christian faith has always insisted that the world is thicker with meaning than it first appears. Charles Malik’s insight that “Jesus Christ is everywhere; he is behind everything we see if only we have eyes to see him; and he is the Lord of history if only we penetrate deep enough beneath the surface” invites us into that deeper vision. Scripture echoes this truth with clarity and confidence. The Apostle Paul writes, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). The Greek phrase en autō synestēken ta panta conveys not merely sequence but sustenance—Christ is not simply earlier than creation; He is the cohesive force that keeps it from unraveling. As this day begins, we are invited to see the ordinary world as charged with the presence of the risen Lord.
To confess that Jesus is “behind everything we see” is not to deny the physical world, but to affirm its deeper source and meaning. The Gospel of John opens with the claim that “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being” (John 1:3). The Logos—ho Logos—is both the rational ordering principle of creation and the personal Word who became flesh. This means that history is not a random sequence of events, nor is your life a collection of disconnected moments. Beneath the surface of headlines, routines, and even suffering, Christ is actively at work, guiding history toward God’s redemptive purposes. As N. T. Wright has observed, “The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of God’s new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven, but to colonize earth with the life of heaven.” That colonizing work continues quietly, often unseen, yet always purposeful.
Spiritually, this truth reshapes how we enter the day. If Christ truly holds all things together, then no meeting, no conversation, no burden, and no joy is spiritually neutral. The Hebrew Scriptures often speak of God’s hidden yet faithful governance using the word panim—the “face” or “presence” of God that may be concealed but never absent. To live attentively is to ask God for eyes trained by faith rather than fear, hope rather than habit. Jesus Himself said, “The one who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). This is not about acquiring new information but cultivating discernment. As this day unfolds, Christ goes before you, stands behind you, and remains beneath every surface reality you will encounter.
Triune Prayer
Heavenly Father, as this day begins, I thank You that nothing in my life exists outside Your sustaining care. You are the Source from whom all things flow and the steady Hand that governs history with wisdom and mercy. I confess that I often move too quickly, judging my day by appearances rather than by faith. Teach me to trust that You are present even when circumstances feel uncertain or unresolved. Grant me the humility to rest in Your sovereignty and the courage to walk forward knowing that You are already at work ahead of me.
Jesus the Son, I praise You as the One through whom and for whom all things were created. You are not distant from my daily life; You are its center and coherence. Forgive me for the moments when I reduce You to an idea rather than receive You as Lord of all. Help me today to recognize Your presence in conversations, interruptions, and responsibilities. Shape my thoughts, words, and actions so that they bear witness to Your reconciling love. May I follow You not only in belief but in obedience, trusting that You are the Lord of both my story and all history.
Holy Spirit, I invite You to open my eyes and attune my heart to the quiet movements of God throughout this day. You are the One who illuminates truth and forms Christ within me. Guide my discernment so that I may see beyond the surface of events and respond with wisdom rather than reaction. Strengthen me to live attentively, prayerfully, and faithfully. Fill me with a steady awareness that I do not walk alone, but in constant communion with the living God.
Thought for the Day
Begin this day by looking beneath the surface—ask where Christ may already be present and at work, and choose to respond with trust and attentiveness rather than haste.
Thank you for beginning your day in God’s presence.
For further reflection on Christ’s lordship over creation and history, see the article “Why Christ Matters for All of Life” at The Gospel Coalition: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
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