In this busy society, it is easy to get overwhelmed and preoccupied with all of the things you have to do. I often find myself being consumed with the thought “how am I going to…”, “when will I have time…”, or “I have to figure out a way to…”. Life is hectic; there is no doubt about it. We are blessed with God’s word which includes many passages to reassure us and give us hope. Even the title verse of this blog shows us that God will give us the strength to do what we need to do, if we put our trust in Him. (Isaiah 40:31)
Matthew 6:33 tells us “But seek first the kingdom of Godand His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” Seek first, not after when have formulated our plan, not when everything else has failed and we are out of options, seek first the kingdom of God. Everything we are, and everything we have, is a blessing from God. He created us, provides for us, protects us, and so much more. Why is it so hard for us to completely trust Him and seek His kingdom in everything we do?
While reading and researching this topic, I found another article discussing the same verse. The recommendation given was to seek God’s kingdom by praying to Him for everything we need. Prayer is important and God does want us to pray to Him about everything. However I believe this should be taken further. Earlier in the 6th chapter of Matthew, we are given other commands; “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them.” Matthew 6:1. “Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people.” Matthew 6:5. “Don’t collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19.
As you can see, there is much more to seeking God’s kingdom then just doing what you want and praying about it. In the book of Matthew and many other places in the Bible, we are instructed to put God first in everything. Do not spend your time seeking fame, popularity, or physical possessions. God has blessed all of us with so much more then we deserve and all he wants is for us to love, trust, honor, and follow him.
Most men will tell you they will do anything for their family. Parents work extra hard to provide things for their children. Good friends will come lend a hand on a project. But what difference will these things make if we don’t have a relationship with the Lord and have committed our life to Him so that we can receive our gift of eternal life.
“But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21