Seek first God—these three words hold transformative power for every believer. In a world consumed with anxiety, ambition, and endless striving, Jesus offers a radical alternative. He doesn’t just suggest we prioritize God; He commands it. And with that command comes an astounding promise: when we put God first, everything we truly need will follow.
Scripture
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
The Call to Radical Dependence
Jesus spoke these words in the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, right after addressing worry. He pointed to birds that don’t farm yet are fed, and flowers that don’t labor yet are clothed in splendor. His point? If God cares for these, how much more will He care for you?
Yet we constantly battle the temptation to seek security elsewhere—in money, careers, relationships, or achievements. Jesus cuts through the noise with a clear directive: Seek first God. Not as an afterthought, not when convenient, but first. Above all else.
What does it mean to seek His kingdom? It means living under His rule, submitting every area of life to His authority. And what does it mean to seek His righteousness? It means pursuing His ways, not the world’s. This isn’t passive; it’s an active, daily choice.
The beautiful irony? When we stop chasing lesser things and start chasing God, He takes care of the rest. Not always in the way we expect, but always in the way we truly need.
The Freedom of a God-First Life
When God is first, everything changes. Work becomes worship. Relationships reflect His love. Even hardships become opportunities to trust Him more deeply.
This doesn’t mean life gets easier—Jesus never promised that. But it does mean we walk with confidence, knowing the One who holds our future. The world screams, “Strive harder! Accumulate more!” But Jesus whispers, “Seek Me, and I will provide.”
History is filled with believers who took this seriously—missionaries who left comfort, martyrs who held fast to faith, ordinary people who chose integrity over compromise. Their lives weren’t always easy, but they were marked by a profound peace the world can’t replicate.
What about us? Will we live like we believe Jesus’ words? Or will we keep scrambling for control, only to find ourselves exhausted and empty?
Reflection Questions
- What competes with God for first place in your heart? (Career, relationships, comfort, approval?)
- When have you experienced God’s provision after choosing to seek Him first?
- What’s one practical step you can take this week to prioritize His kingdom?
Closing Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I’ve chased everything but You. Shift my heart. Help me seek Your kingdom above all else. Teach me to trust Your provision, even when the world tells me to worry. Fill me with Your peace as I put You first. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
https://saltlightspirit.com/category/daily-devotionals/30-days-for-success
