Perhaps you’re thinking of what Jesus told His followers on one occasion: “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, NKJV).

What did Jesus mean when He said God’s kingdom is within us? He wasn’t telling us that God is to be found by looking within our souls (as you suggest), for God is far greater than this. God is separate from us; He created everything, and heaven is His dwelling place. The opening words of the prayer Jesus taught His disciples remind us of this truth: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9).

Instead, Jesus was reminding us that God wants to become the master of what’s inside us — our hearts and minds. In other words, Jesus Christ didn’t come to establish an earthly, political kingdom, but to become the king or ruler of our lives. And isn’t that what we need — someone to guide us and help us as we make our way through life? Jesus said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13).

God isn’t distant or unconcerned about you. God loves you; He loves you so much that He came down to earth and became a man: Jesus Christ. Do you want to know what God is like? Look at Jesus Christ, and when you do you’ll not only realize how much God loves you, but you’ll want to open your heart to Him and make Him the master of your life.

Find peace with God today.