But Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness
Date: March 5, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): Matthew 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, open our hearts to Your truth and guidance. Help us to hear Your voice speaking through this verse and grant us the wisdom to understand its significance in our lives. May we prioritize Your kingdom and righteousness above all else, trusting that You will provide for all our needs. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: In Matthew 6:33, Jesus delivers a profound teaching on priorities and trust in God's provision. He urges His followers to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above earthly concerns. This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses various aspects of discipleship and kingdom living. When He is emphasizing the importance of seeking God's kingdom first, Jesus challenges His listeners to align their hearts and actions with God's will. He assures them that when they prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, their needs will be met abundantly.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key words/phrases:
Seek first - Emphasizes the priority of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness.
His kingdom and his righteousness - Refers to aligning our lives with God's rule and His standards of righteousness.
All these things will be given to you as well - Indicates the promise of God's provision for those who prioritize seeking Him.
S - Summarize and Share:
Matthew 6:33 isn't just a verse; it's a timeless invitation—a call to realign our hearts and priorities with the very essence of God's kingdom. I can't help but think about the countless times I've been consumed by worry about life, about my future, about striving to do more, or better, and the pursuit of worldly success.
But this verse is a gentle, yet powerful reminder to pause, to breathe, and to refocus my gaze on what truly matters most—God's kingdom and His righteousness. It's an invitation to shift my perspective from the fleeting treasures of this world to the eternal riches found in Him.
In the busyness of life, it's easy to lose sight of God's kingdom—to get caught up in the pursuit of temporary pleasures or the worries of tomorrow. But Jesus' words in Matthew 6:33 beckon me to a different way of living—to a life marked by trust, surrender, and an unwavering commitment to seeking His kingdom above all else.
What does that look like for me? It means starting each day with a prayer, asking God to help me prioritize His kingdom in every decision I make. It means seeking His will in the midst of uncertainty and trusting that He will provide for all my needs. And it means finding peace and contentment in His presence, knowing that He is faithful to His promises.
When I embrace the truth of this verse in my life, I'm learning to let go of the need to control outcomes and instead entrust my future into God's loving hands. And in doing so, I'm discovering a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy than I ever thought possible.
So, let's take Jesus' words to heart. Let's make seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness our highest priority, knowing that in Him, we find not only what we need but also the desires of our hearts. For His kingdom is where true abundance, peace, and fulfillment are found.
4 Bible Cross References:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:19
Psalm 37:4
James 4:8