righteousness, peace & joy

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 To read the verse in context, click here

This verse had always been at the back of my mind, even before my spiritual eyes were opened to his word. Christianity was just like a label on me. It didn't seem to make a huge impact on my life and I even thought that I would appreciate the gospel more if I didn't come from a "christian background". Matthew 6:33 always popped up, but I didn't think too much of it. Yes, I knew I had to seek his kingdom...but what is his kingdom? Was it going to church regularly? Was it praying continually? Was it being a nice person? I'm sorry, but I wasn't all those. So Matthew 6:33 remained as it was - vague, with an interpretation open to discussion. However, when its meaning was revealed to me one day boom! the impact came!

My pastor believes in letting the bible interpret the bible...so what is the kingdom of God? Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit".

What righteouness do we speak of? 1 Cor 1:30 "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

What about peace? Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

And joy? Psalm 92:4 "For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands."

We just have to seek one thing. Jesus. He is our rightousness, our peace, our joy. Sometimes it's a struggle to have that joy. How can we smile in the midst of the storm? Can we glory in our tribulations? This joy comes when you realise who you are in Christ, how righteous you are in Him and how His peace will guard your heart. This joy is a fruit, a result of having that knowledge and then you can't help but marvel at the works of His hands :)