ONLY HIM
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33, ESV
Theme: Seeking God first allows us to have a healthy rhythm of work and rest, Sabbath and productivity.
GOD VS. THINGS
Our verse for today is set in the whole passage from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus speaks of our anxieties, struggles, and worries about provisions: clothing, food, and health. So, when we read “Seek first the kingdom of God,” we can interpret it to mean pursue God, His plans, and His rule rather than physical stuff. Seek God, not new clothes. Seek His kingdom, not build up our own kingdoms and fortunes. And that’s certainly part of the truth! We worry, strive, plan, and fret, all for things that God already knows we need, already promises to give us. We can depend on Him for our daily needs.
PEOPLE VS. TASKS
Sometimes I read this passage and am reminded that I tend to put tasks for God and His kingdom above and ahead of the people of His pasture. I’m not to worry or fret about how I will accomplish these things, or what to do next. I am to remember that if every bird of the air and lily of the field is important to God, so are His people. Nothing I can do is more important than loving them well, bringing the kingdom of God about by His Presence in me. I should be exhibiting the Fruit of His Spirit, extending His rule and reign everywhere I go. His love should be made visible by my love.
HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE
We’ve been going through a season of uncertainty. We’re still in it, and I’ve had a huge day of testing and doctors’ visits at Duke University Hospital this week. In the space of a month, I have had to relearn what it means to “seek God first” in a deeper way. I am not to seek God for the healing He can provide. I am not to pursue Him to get His comfort. I can certainly ask for those things. In fact, Jesus tells us to come to Him and ask. But when I am seeking God, I am to seek Him for Him! When I do that, I find all that He is: peace, joy, everlasting love, hope, healing, and my eternal future. He is restoration; He is strength. He is my strong tower. In Him alone is found “fullness of joy.” The relationship with Him is the goal. The seeking and finding of Him is the reward. Jesus Himself is our peace.
THE LORD OF THE SABBATH
The Lord made the Sabbath so that we would take time to focus and seek Him amid our worries, our tasks, our strivings, and our routine work. In everything we do, we can put God first, asking His wisdom, direction, and love. But we have to be in a place of connection with Him to sense His Spirit. The Sabbath is the time you need to refocus your week, your priorities, your attitudes, and your spirit on Him.
Make It Personal: I’m in a season of retirement. You may still be working, inside or outside the home. Maybe you are a student, slammed to the wall with assignments and tests. Still, a Sabbath will reset your heart and mind to live a life that honors God in all areas. Without it, you may be striving hard to be godly, but without the connection to the Spirit of God which would best empower these things.
What things feel more important and pressing to you than a day of rest with God as your sole focus?
Pray: Lord, in the middle of the night, when we worry and fret, help us to turn to You, not to ask You to solve the financial problem or calm our fears, but to sense Your Presence and love. We need You, not the many blessings You provide. We need You to be our Peace and our Light. In You we find all our hearts are longing for. Help us to weekly set aside a Sabbath. Teach us to daily seek Your Word and speak to You. You want the very best for us....and that best is You. In Jesus’ Name I we pray. Amen.
Read: Matthew 6:25-34, 7:7-11; Psalm 16:11; Ephesians 2:13-14, 3:14-21
Weekly Memory Verse: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8, ESV