The Kingdom Within

Romans 14:17 (NRSVUE) “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

We live in a world obsessed with the highlight reel: the perfect photo, the job title, the clothes we wear, the things people can see. It’s all external, and honestly, it’s exhausting. Romans 14:17 cuts through that mess to remind us that the kingdom of God doesn’t operate that way. It’s not about the outside; it’s about the inside. The kingdom is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy—all found in the Holy Spirit.

Righteousness isn’t about perfection, but more about alignment. It’s a daily choice to say, “God, I choose You, and I want what You want.” It’s less about getting everything right and more about staying close to the One who is always right. I believe we experience true freedom when we stop trying to earn God’s love and start living from it.

The peace Jesus gives doesn’t depend on things going our way. It’s steady, strong, and anchored in God’s goodness. It’s the quiet confidence that even when life feels out of control, God isn’t.

And joy? Real joy comes from knowing you’re loved and cared for by a God who never changes. It’s not hype. It’s hope. It’s what rises up when you realize God’s presence is greater than your problems.

The kingdom of God is already within you. It’s alive and active through the Holy Spirit. Let righteousness shape your choices, let peace steady your soul, and let joy overflow from your life. The kingdom isn’t something far off. The kingdom is right here, right now, living inside of you.