“So do not worry, saying, ’What shall we eat?’ or ’What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31-33
Often January is seen as a fresh start. It is a chance to make changes and improvements. My heart’s desire for 2014 is to put God first in my life in all circumstances. This has not been easy for me this past year, and I do not expect it to be easy in the year to come.
When God asks us to seek Him first, He does not promise that our lives will run smoother. He doesn’t say that our relationships will be better, or that our health will improve. He asks us to simply come to Him, lay down our worries at His feet, and trust that He will provide.
It takes effort to seek Him first. It requires surrendering our own wants and asking Him what His will is for our lives. Thankfully, God has included a promise along with this challenging instruction. “All these things will be given to you as well.” God, our Father, who loves us beyond measure knows what we need. He will provide for us. I have seen how God has provided for me and my family, and I want to continue to see God at work in our lives as we seek to put Him first.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for us. Thank you that you know all of our needs, and you promise you will provide for us. Please give us the strength, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to surrender our own desires to your will, and seek you first in our lives. Amen.
Take Action
Prayerfully consider how you can seek God today in your present circumstances. Surrender your own wants to Him, and ask Him to provide for your needs. He is your Heavenly Father. He knows your needs and will care for you.