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Matthew 6:33-34

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Do you spend time—maybe a whole lot of time—maybe way too much time—focusing on what Jesus calls “these things” in today’s passage? The right friend group. The perfect career. The beautiful home. The most effective school for your children. The most enriching activities for them. The retirement plan. The luxurious car. The special vacation. “These things” are not bad things. In fact, Jesus says that he will give you all the things you need as long as you shift your focus from “these things” to this one thing: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.”

The kingdom order starts with preparing our hearts. Busyness with the secondary keeps us from focusing on the primary. Seeking after his kingdom and his righteousness allows all the other things in our lives to fall into their proper place and time.

Seeking God’s kingdom first prepares our hearts to run after the most important goal. It keeps us on the right path. It keeps us running hard after Christ. When we seek first things first, God promises to take care of the rest.

Talking to God

Father, as I seek you first today, give me the needed confirmation that you really will take care of the other things in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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God, Where Are You in My Shaken World?