The Secret to Christian Peace and Contentment: Seeking God's Kingdom and Righteousness

The Secret to Christian Peace and Contentment

Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or discontented? Do you feel like something is missing in your life? Do you long for peace and contentment? If so, you are not alone. Many Christians struggle with these feelings, but the good news is that there is a secret to Christian peace and contentment. And the best part is that it is not a secret at all!

The Secret Revealed

The secret to Christian peace and contentment is found throughout the Bible, but it is summed up in one verse: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33, NIV). In other words, if we focus on seeking God and His will above all else, He will take care of everything else in our lives.

Now, you might be thinking, "That sounds too simple. How could seeking God's kingdom and righteousness bring me peace and contentment?" The answer is that when we seek God's kingdom, we are seeking His rule and reign in our lives. We are putting Him first, above our own desires and plans. And when we seek His righteousness, we are seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to Him, rather than trying to please ourselves or others.

When we seek God's kingdom and righteousness, we are aligning ourselves with His will and purpose for our lives. And when we are aligned with His will, everything else falls into place. We no longer have to worry about our needs being met, because we trust that God will provide for us. We no longer have to strive for success or recognition, because we know that our true identity and worth come from Him. We no longer have to fear the future, because we know that He holds our future in His hands.

The Benefits of Seeking God's Kingdom

When we seek God's kingdom and righteousness, we experience a number of benefits:

1. Peace:

When we seek God's kingdom, we experience a deep sense of peace. We no longer have to worry or be anxious about our lives, because we know that God is in control. As Jesus said, "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" (John 14:27, NIV).

2. Contentment:

When we seek God's kingdom, we are content with what we have. We no longer have to strive for more money, possessions, or status, because we know that our true treasure is in heaven. As Paul wrote, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:11-12, NIV).

3. Joy:

When we seek God's kingdom, we experience a deep sense of joy. We no longer have to rely on our circumstances or our feelings for happiness, because we know that our joy comes from the Lord. As Nehemiah wrote, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10, NIV).

4. Purpose:

When we seek God's kingdom, we have a sense of purpose in our lives. We no longer have to wonder why we are here or what we are supposed to be doing, because we know that God has a plan and a purpose for us. As Paul wrote, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).

How to Seek God's Kingdom

So, how can we seek God's kingdom and righteousness? Here are some practical steps:

1. Spend time with God:

If we want to seek God's kingdom, we need to spend time with Him. This means reading the Bible, praying, and worshiping Him. As Jesus said, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:6, NIV).

2. Surrender to God:

If we want to seek God's kingdom, we need to surrender our lives to Him. This means giving Him control of our plans, our desires, and our future. As Jesus said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24, NIV).

3. Obey God:

If we want to seek God's righteousness, we need to obey His commands. This means living according to His standards, rather than our own. As Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15, NIV).

4. Serve Others:

If we want to seek God's kingdom, we need to serve others. This means putting others' needs before our own, just as Jesus did. As Paul wrote, "Serve one another humbly in love" (Galatians 5:13, NIV).

Conclusion

If you are feeling anxious, stressed, or discontented, remember the secret to Christian peace and contentment: seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. When we align ourselves with God's will and purpose for our lives, we experience a deep sense of peace, contentment, joy, and purpose. So, spend time with God, surrender to Him, obey Him, and serve others. And remember, the secret is not a secret at all — it is available to anyone who is willing to seek it.

As the psalmist wrote, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4, NIV). So, delight yourself in the Lord, and experience the peace and contentment that come from seeking His kingdom and righteousness.