Flowing In Peace, Joy And Righteousness
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 that we should seek first the kingdom of God and any other thing will be added unto us. But to seek first the kingdom of God we ought to know what it means. I used to think that the kingdom of God meant doing missionary work thus going to the mission fields.
But I realized that the kingdom of God was not something outside you flowing inside – “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking”, but something inside you flowing out – righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. So to seek first God’s kingdom means to make it a priority every day to have your inner man flowing with righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Righteousness is not based on what you do. It is not your good works. It is a gift from Jesus Christ who is your righteousness (Romans 5:17). God wants you to be established in the truth that you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“Peace be with you” were the words that Jesus spoke to His disciples when He appeared before them after His resurrection. He also showed them His pierced hands and side (John 20:19–20). God wants you to know that His Son’s finished work has given you peace. Your conscience can be at rest because your sin debt has been settled. You have peace with God and the peace of God.
Joy will come into your heart when you see Jesus in the scriptures, worship songs or anointed preaching. It is the same joy from the Holy Spirit which filled the disciples’ hearts when they saw Jesus, His hands and His side (John 20:20).
So every day, make it a priority to see yourself righteous in Christ. Don’t be conscious of your sins. Instead, be conscious of your righteousness; see yourself to be flowing in peace, joy and righteousness. And whether you are reading your Bible or listening to anointed preaching, see Jesus with His pierced hands and side, which speak of His finished work. See all your sins forgiven, and you will flow with peace and joy. When you do this, you are seeking the kingdom of God!
