"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6:33
We worry about our children; our parents; our finances; our health; our future, and so on. It's second nature to us because we care. But
Jesus says, “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” To seek something is to earnestly look for it with the expectation of finding it. It's unfortunate that we often seek everything else before seeking God. Jere 29:13 says: "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." We need to pursue God relentlessly without stopping, then our material needs would be provided for without the need to worry or become anxious. Matt 6:34 gives final advice: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." The kingdom of God is Sovereign and His rule over all creation. We should seek first that kingdom so we can be part of all that He has to offer.
As we stand on the threshold of a 2024, let our resolutions echo the timeless wisdom found in this verse. Let's recognize that the treasures of heaven hold eternal value. May we commit to investing our time, energy, and resources in endeavors that align with God's kingdom purposes. Our new year's resolutions should not just be a list of personal goals but a spiritual compass directing our paths. As we embrace the Kingdom-centered resolutions, may we invite God to shape our desires, priorities, and pursuits. In the face of uncertainties, may our resolution echo the assurance that seeking God's kingdom first brings fulfillment and divine provision. Just as a ship relies on its compass to navigate the vast sea, let the pursuit of God's kingdom guide us through the uncharted waters of this new year.
Our lives are often consumed with getting more and more. Yet, the one thing we should be really concerned about is our relationship to Christ. Are we part of His kingdom? Have we obtained His righteousness. Jesus looked tenderly at His disciples, and He still looks tenderly at us and says, "Stop! Stop the rat race!" He calls us to take a step back, close ourselves in a quiet reflection, and think on Him. What does it really matter in this life if we gain the whole world but lose our souls? Ultimately, this life is only temporal, yet Satan has done a masterful job of creating a lifelong diversion that consumes our hearts, our lives, and our very beings! God feeds the birds and clothes the lilies beautifully, and His children are far more valuable than birds. Anxious emotions can't add even an hour to a person's life. Instead, Jesus tells us to trust God to provide what we truly need.
I pray that our new year's resolutions will be more than a fleeting commitment; but rather, a transformative journey that aligns our hearts with the eternal purpose of God. Let our resolutions resound with the declaration: "I seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that all things will be given to me as well." May this year be a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises as we embark on a Kingdom-centered journey, anticipating His abundant provision in every step we take. May our guiding principle be to seek God's kingdom and righteousness diligently. In doing so, we'll activate this promise that transcends material concerns and assures us of God's unfailing provision. May this devotional narrative inspire a fervent pursuit of the Kingdom, anchoring our lives in the unwavering promise that as we seek God first, all other essential necessities will be graciously added unto us.
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