Seek First the Kingdom of God

“Seek first His [God’s] kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough troubles of its own.” Matthew 6:33–34

As well as I know this verse and as many times as I’ve heard it–and quoted it!– it stood out to me last week. “All of these things” is referring to what Jesus was talking about a few verses earlier: food, drink, and clothes. Just about everything essential for life, right? Yep!

Jesus was making a point accompanied by a promise– when you do things His way–by seeking first the kingdom of God– He’ll take care of the rest.

I read a really great article on The Rebelution that talked about how important it is to seek first the kingdom of God + His righteousness, and have the other things in our lives–as big as they may seem!– be less important than pursuing God’s call for us. 

For me, it can be so easy to get caught up in the small details of the things that are going on in my life that I lose sight of what’s truly important– seeking first the kingdom of God. Pursuing first His righteousness. 

That’s why the word “first” is so important; almost anyone can seek after the kingdom of God + His righteousness– after they’ve finished pursuing what they think is most important in their lives! 

And then there’s the small matter of not worrying about tomorrow. It’s not easy to do that, I can attest to the fact! 

What about when you are expecting something? What about when you need something? What about when you feel like something really bad is about to happen and there’s nothing you can do about it?

Here’s the thing: the Bible says we are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Again, I can say that it’s not easy. 

But we serve a God who keeps His promises… always. 

When He said that He will provide for all of your needs according to His riches and glory… He meant it (Philippians 4:19).

When He said He will never leave you nor forsake you… He meant it. (Hebrews 13:5-6).

When He said He will leave His peace with you that surpasses all understanding… He meant it (Philippians 4:7).    

When He said that He loves you with an everlasting love… He meant it (Jeremiah 31:3).

So you know what? When He said that if you seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all of the things you need will be given to you, He meant it. He always means what He says.

I want to encourage you this week to pick your priorities carefully. But don’t forget what the single most important thing is to do at this point–and always– in your walk with God: follow Him + His ways– He’ll show you what to do next!

This week I’m focusing on what it means to truly seek first what matters, and let God bring everything else together for me. Will you?