Seek God’s Kingdom First

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
— Matthew 6:33

This famous command — “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” — concludes a section of the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus addressed our anxious hearts. He redirected His disciples to trust in His faithful care. The birds of the air and the lilies of the field are simple and powerful reminders that our heavenly Father provides for His creation. If God carefully sustains what is temporary, how much more will He care for His children? Anxiety often reveals misplaced love by showing that our hearts cling more tightly to security, possessions, or control than to God Himself. As our love for God deepens, it settles our fears by rearranging our priorities. 

Notice, Jesus concluded this command to seek His kingdom first with the promise that all the things for which we worry will be added to us. Loving God leads us to pursue His reign and righteousness above all else, trusting that He will provide what we truly need. He will certainly do it. His promise is guaranteed, freeing us from anxious striving and teaching us to depend upon Him for all things. Seeking God’s kingdom first aligns our lives with His purposes, placing our daily needs in their proper place and making us submissive to His will. We live with open hands, not holding too tightly to the things of this world while pursuing the things of the one to come. So, how do you demonstrate your faith in God to provide everything you need? 

Prayer: Almighty Father, too often I worry about the things You’ve already promised to give me. You are good and kind in all You do. Teach me to trust You to meet my needs as I seek Your Kingdom above all else. 

Reflection Questions:

1. What specific worries or anxieties reveal areas where you struggle to trust God fully? 
2. How can you intentionally “seek first the kingdom of God” in your daily decisions this week? 

Weekly Memory Verse: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. — 1 John 5:3