Seek First His Kingdom

Date: September 19, 2023

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:: 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 Word and pray: Lord, as I meditate on Matthew 6:33, I pray for the wisdom and strength to seek Your kingdom above all else. Open my ears to hear Your guidance in my life and help me to prioritize Your righteousness in all that I do. May Your will be the compass that guides me each day.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He imparts profound teachings to His disciples and the crowds. In this specific portion, Jesus is addressing worries about material needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. He encourages His followers to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above these concerns.  This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our life's priorities. It underscores the importance of seeking God's kingdom, which means making Him the central focus of our lives. When we prioritize His righteousness and ways of living, we align ourselves with His will. The promise here is that when we seek God first, He will provide for our material needs as well. It's a call to trust God completely and acknowledge His sovereignty over every aspect of our lives.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: 

Seek first: This phrase emphasizes the priority of seeking God's kingdom above all else. It implies a deliberate and conscious choice to make God the primary focus of our lives.

His kingdom: Refers to God's rule, reign, and dominion. Seeking His kingdom means submitting to His authority and aligning our lives with His divine principles.

His righteousness: Denotes living in accordance with God's moral and ethical standards. It involves seeking to do what is right in God's eyes and following His ways.

All these things: Refers to the material necessities and provisions that we often worry about, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This verse assures that these needs will be met when we prioritize seeking God.

S - Summarize and Share: 

Matthew 6:33 is like a gentle tug at the heart, reminding me of where my true focus should be in this whirlwind of life's demands. It's not just a verse; it's a profound invitation to live differently, with a heavenly perspective.

In my own journey, I've discovered that seeking God's kingdom above all else is a daily practice. It's an intentional choice I make each morning, reminding myself that God's purposes and His way of living are my ultimate goals. This choice guides my decisions, actions, and reactions throughout the day.

It's not always easy. The world around us bombards us with distractions, worries, and the temptation to prioritize our own desires. Yet, when I remember that seeking God first is the key to unlocking His provision and guidance, it strengthens my resolve.

I've seen how God provides not just for my spiritual needs but also for my practical, everyday needs. He's been my provider in times of financial uncertainty, my counselor in moments of decision, and my comforter when life's storms rage. His faithfulness in these moments reaffirms the truth of Matthew 6:33.

So, my encouragement to you is to join me in seeking God's kingdom and righteousness as the compass for your life. As you do, you'll find that the worries that once consumed you begin to fade, replaced by a deep sense of peace and trust in God's loving care.

Let's make this verse our daily mantra, not as a religious obligation, but as a reminder of our divine connection. Seek God first, trust in His provision, and watch as your life aligns with His perfect plan. This is where we find true fulfillment and freedom.

4 Bible Cross References:

Psalm 37:4 - "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Luke 12:31 - "But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."

Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."