But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.
Psalm73:28
Jesus, I know You are with me right now.
Help me quiet my thoughts and become aware of Your loving presence.
Read today’s passage again, but this time read it out loud, emphasizing the words “anyone,” “new person,” and “new life.”
All the things you really want in life are found in all of their fullness in God’s kingdom.
Throughout the Bible, being in God’s presence meant you would experience love, joy, and peace— all markers of God’s kingdom. And not just you, but the people around you would experience those things as well because of God in you. That’s one of the coolest
things about God’s kingdom . . . when you abide in Jesus, it’s best for you AND for everyone around you.
On the flip side, being outside of God’s presence meant you were probably looking for those same things—love, joy, peace, etc.—but you were only finding cheap, imitation, temporary versions of them.
And the people around you were experiencing the fake versions as well.
When you abide in Christ, you stay in God’s presence and experience the things of His kingdom. And you end up telling people all about it, because it’s really good news.
REFLECT:
When have you been in God’s presence and experienced love, joy, peace, and a bunch of other really significant things? Who can you tell about the wonderful things God does?
RESPOND:
Thank God that when you abide in Him, you find everything you really want in life. Ask Him to help you live out the reality of His kingdom and share it with others.