For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)

Jesus calls us His sheep, and we know that the Shepherd’s primary objective for His sheep is that they flourish. He wants His sheep to be well-fed, well-cared for, content, and satisfied. It is the joy of the Shepherd to lead His sheep to green pastures and still waters.

Jesus also has given His sheep a great promise. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28). There is great security in knowing that the Lord is our Shepherd, and that we are under His protection.

Did you know that God loves to bless you? Delights to pour His grace out upon you? Truly enjoys working in your life? He wants to bless you more than you want to be blessed! He wants to answer your prayers more than you want them answered. He wants to speak to you even more than you want to be spoken to. And He wants to use you even more than you want to be used. He loves you. Jesus said, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). It is His joy, His pleasure, to give you the kingdom.

And what is that kingdom? The Bible says the kingdom of God is “righteousness and peace and joy and the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). He wants His righteousness, peace, and joy to permeate every level of your life.