Today’s Word

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

How to be Happy Because the Kingdom of God is Here

Colossians 3:1-3 captured my imagination many years ago and it still rings as true now as it did then. In one way it’s a difficult passage to get your head around. For me it means that if Christ lives in me because I’ve received Him, then there’s a new life at work and growing within me. There’s an “old me” that is clinging to life, but dying, indeed, from God’s perspective, is already dead.

When I “set my mind on things above” I am not thinking of myself and my happiness. I’m not thinking of myself at all. I am out of the way.

Has this ever happened to you? Have there been times when you have been so absorbed in something beyond yourself such as another person’s need, a piece of artwork, nature, beauty, in short “things above”, that you were entirely self forgetful, yet more fully you, more fully alive, more fully “joyful” than at any other time?

The key to getting yourself out of the way is not focusing on getting yourself out of the way. The key is focusing on “things above”. Then the real you, the one “hidden with Christ in God” will appear, even today.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, please lead me to things above. Please place them before my eyes and give me the energy, courage and deep desire to pursue them. I trust that as I do you will take me to where you want me to be. Amen