"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you"
Jesus' teachings were revolutionary for the times in which He lived on this earth; they are even more so now. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness . . ." (Matthew 6:33).
We have already learned that we are not to worry about what we will eat or what we will wear but to live unanxiously before God just as the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. God's provisional care extends to us all. "Do not worry about your life... "(Matthew 6:25).
Put God first in all things and everything you need will be provided for you. This is the most difficult discipline of the Christian life. But how do we actually live this way? I have not accomplished it yet. But I am working on it. I am not being ridiculous about it, I am still writing out a budget every month, but I am trying to put God first in everything.
So how would we accomplish this task? I searched out the scriptures for an answer...
How to Place God First in Your Life
We start the day by turning our hearts towards God, acknowledging Him, surrendering our will and our day to Him. "In the morning, I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly" (Psalm 5:3).
If you have needs or you have concerns about anything, lay these at the foot of His throne. Lay all your cares and concerns at his feet and leave them there. Do not carry these into your day with you. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7). "In everything, by prayer and petition... present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6).
If worries or concerns rise up during your day, carry them straight to Him. Lay them down and leave them there. "Do not worry about your life" (Matthew 6:25).
Do not worry about tomorrow. Jesus says that today has enough trouble of its own, do not bring tomorrow into it also. Stay in the day, obey God today, trust Him for tomorrow. "Do not worry about tomorrow... each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34).
Stay turned to God throughout the day, resting in His peace, guidance, and provision.. He will provide these for you as you have need of them. "He keeps in perfect peace the one whose mind is stayed on Him" (Isaiah 26:3–4) Stay surrendered and obedient to God, focus on Him. "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:6).
If any storms appear in your day, focus on God and not the storm, cling to Him in all the chaos, do not panic but try to stay calm and focused on God, turn your attention to Him and lay your storm at His feet. Do not listen to fear. Fear is a liar. Reject fear. Patiently wait on the Lord's own timing to bring you out of your storm. "By your patience possess your souls" (Luke 21:19). Stay as calm as possible, stay steady, stay with God, trust in the Lord's strength and providence to bring you out of the storm.
Find a quiet place and rest in God. Trust in the Lord, know that He is there with you whether you feel it or not, know in your heart that He is there, He never leaves you, the Holy Spirit is with you always. "In quietness and trust shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15). This is not emotion...this is spiritual, this is faith...believing in things unseen, unfelt, and unknown...trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.
Be patient, you cannot force this to happen. This is something that is formed in you by the Holy Spirit. Surrender yourself to God, to the Holy Spirit, and let Him shape you and work the nature of Jesus Christ into you. All you need do, is hold onto Him and He will do the rest.
Live in the Spirit, turned inward toward God. Walk in the Spirit, let the Holy Spirit of God form your reactions and you will reflect Jesus. "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25).
We have the Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus dwelling within us at all times. We have His life within us, His strength, His knowledge, His power, His nature, His peace, His love, and His faith...we can do all things through Him. We can do this because He is able. "I know whom I have believed and am persuaded He is able" (2 Timothy 1:12).
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Jesus our Lord. In humble adoration, we praise You, Lord. We thank You that You love us and provide for us, In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture References
Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
Philippians 4:6–7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 37:4–5 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act."
Proverbs 3:5–6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
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