When we pray “Your kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer, do we truly understand what we’re asking for? The kingdom of God is a profound concept that deserves our attention and understanding, especially as we seek to live as faithful followers of Christ.

What Exactly Is the Kingdom of God?

The kingdom of God can be defined as “God’s sovereign rule and reign over all creation, especially manifested through his righteousness, peace and joy, and fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, inviting believers to live under his authority, both now and in the eternal future.”

In simpler terms, the kingdom of God means God is in charge, and we submit to Him. We are His ambassadors, representing Him on earth just as Adam and Eve were originally meant to do in the Garden of Eden.

The Now and Not Yet Tension

We live in what theologians call a “now, not yet” tension regarding God’s kingdom. Jesus announced in Mark 1:15 that “the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand.” The kingdom has arrived with Jesus, but it hasn’t been fully realized yet.

Isaiah 11:6-7 gives us a glimpse of what the fully realized kingdom will look like:

“The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat. The calf and the young lion and the fattened calf will be together, and a child will lead them. The cow and the bear will graze, the young ones will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like cattle.”

This beautiful picture of complete peace and harmony is what we’re ultimately moving toward. But in the meantime, we have a crucial responsibility: to embody the kingdom while we wait for its fulfillment.

What Does Psalm 23 Teach Us About God’s Kingdom?

Psalm 23:2-3 gives us insight into three essential aspects of God’s kingdom:

“He lets me rest in green meadows. He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths to bring honor to his name.”

From these verses, we can understand that the kingdom of God involves:

1. Provision
2. Peace
3. Proper
4. Paths

How Does God Provide in His Kingdom?

Philippians 4:11-13 teaches us about contentment in God’s provision:

“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstance I find myself. I know how to do with a little, and I know how to make do with a lot in any and all circumstances. I’ve learned the secret of being content, whether fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”

The kingdom of God is about having all that we need, not necessarily all that we want. There are two ways to learn contentment: have more or desire less. If we’re always looking for the next thing—the next job, relationship, or possession—we can never be content with what we have.

When we learn to be content with what we have, we often find that God blesses us with even more. It’s about trusting in His provision and saying, “God, I have all that I need in you.”

What Kind of Peace Does God’s Kingdom Offer?

Philippians 4:7 describes “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

This peace isn’t just intellectual understanding—it’s a heart-level experience. It’s shalom, a comprehensive peace that can exist even in the midst of chaos. Our homes and relationships should be defined by this peace, not by the absence of challenges but by how we respond to them.

When we see disunity or chaos, we should view it as an invitation to pursue peace. As James says, “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” If we want peace, we must plant seeds of peace.

It’s important to note that peace is not the same as appeasement. Sometimes establishing true peace requires addressing difficult issues, like setting a broken bone. It might hurt initially, but it brings true healing and peace in the long run.

How Do We Follow God’s Proper Paths?

When we pray for God to lead us in “paths of righteousness for His name’s sake,” we’re asking Him to guide us on the right path—even when it differs from what we want.

There’s often a disconnect between what God says and what we desire. Following God’s path means submitting to His will and trusting Him, even when it’s difficult. As Jesus said, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”

How often do we pray for God to lead us, only to complain about the path He puts us on? We ask Him to fix our marriages, bless our finances, or provide jobs—but when His answers don’t match our expectations, we resist or ignore them.

The Power to Live Out God’s Kingdom

Acts 1:8 reminds us that we don’t just receive guidance from God—we receive power: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria and the ends of the earth.”

The early church experienced this power at Pentecost when 3,000 people came to Christ after Peter’s first sermon. But they initially kept this power to themselves, forming a comfortable huddle rather than spreading out as Jesus commanded. God sometimes has to disrupt our comfort to fulfill His kingdom purposes.

The kingdom of God isn’t just about gathering together on Sunday mornings—it’s about going out with the power of the Holy Spirit to be Christ’s representatives in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and to the ends of the earth.

Life Application

This week, consider how you can embody God’s kingdom in your daily life:

1. Provision: Where do you need to practice contentment with what God has already provided? Are you constantly seeking more, or can you find joy in what you have?
2. Peace: How can you cultivate peace in your relationships and home? When you encounter conflict or chaos, do you view it as an invitation to pursue deeper peace?
3. Proper Paths: Are you truly submitting to God’s guidance, even when it differs from your preferences? What area of your life might God be asking you to surrender to His direction?
4. Power: Are you living in the power of the Holy Spirit, or are you trying to accomplish God’s purposes in your own strength? How might God be calling you to step out of your comfort zone to represent Him?

Remember, we are ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom in a world that desperately needs it. As we embody His kingdom now, we point others toward the perfect kingdom that is yet to come.