But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
What is this kingdom of God that you are to seek? Romans 14:17 says that it consists of “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
People today spend a lot of time thinking about the pleasures of this world. Many currently worry about how they will meet the needs of the day. In the verses prior to today’s verse, Jesus states that making provision to secure what is needed is wise, but to spend energy worrying about tomorrow is useless, unnecessary, and unhealthy… and it essentially shows a distrust of God. He is faithful. “Set the Lord always before [you]” (Psalm 16:8).
“Seek” is a command to accept God’s will and direction in your life – the antidote which defeats the enemy of worry. Worldly pleasures tempt you to forget that God created you. He loves you and wants only what is best for you. As you seek Him, believe it is a privilege to love Him, to serve Him, to praise Him, and to live in fellowship with Him. In doing so, you pursue a life of godliness that leads to “peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Life is filled with winds and waves that can rock you, but focusing on the Lord can give you the steadiness to hold fast to what is most important. Then you will see the promise fulfilled: “These things will be added to you.”
Live to serve the Lord, always remembering His commands and promises. Pray for peace in the hearts of those around the country who are worrying. Then intercede on behalf of those in authority who make decisions affecting so many in this nation.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 16
Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
