The Kingdom Is Already Near

May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

The morning after another upsetting event in our country in which innocent people died, I attended a funeral. My mind was still reeling from the flood of information the night before; I felt fearful of people and of an unknown future. I was so unsettled that I almost didn’t go to the service.

As I sat in a pew and looked around the church, filled mostly with people I did not know, I let out a quiet sigh. Soft music began to play, and we stood together, showing our respect to the grieving family as they entered the sanctuary. We sang “Amazing Grace,” took Communion, and prayed the Lord’s Prayer.

And as the scent of incense came to me in the glow of the soft candlelight, I suddenly felt comforted. We were a community, coming together to honor and grieve and love as one. As whispers of amen followed each Scripture of hope, every prayer of peace, my spirit was calmed.

I was reminded once again that Jesus brings peace. He is my hope. And he is near. All other allegiances and securities are but vapors that will cease to matter at the mention of his name. Even with all the evil we see around us and in our world, there is still good work to be done right here on earth, just as it is being done in heaven.

We’re not waiting only for some future glory. God has already come, and I am so grateful for his presence that surrounds us even amid chaos and fear. And because of this truth, we, as a people who bear his name, are called to bring hope and love into this place. We are the ones who accomplish God’s will on this earth in the way that we seek peace, offer love and hope, and remind others that the Kingdom is already near.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

How have you recently seen and been grateful for God’s Kingdom being brought to earth? In what ways could you encourage someone else around you who may be anxious? Look for opportunities to share God’s peace with them.