“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. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt. 6:31-34
A phrase that is thrown around a lot in Christian culture is seek first his kingdom but what does it mean? What does it look like?
My heart is after the kingdom of God, and by hitting subscribe, I bet yours is too. It feels appropriate to begin by defining the kingdom and then challenging ourselves to truly sow into the kingdom today and impact our communities at large. I believe God has a mission for you today, and I don’t want you to miss it. Let’s take a closer look at His Word.
What is the kingdom of God? Throughout the New Testament, we are told, “the kingdom of God (or heaven) is like…” fill in the blank. Here’s a few examples: the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed (Mark 4:30), the kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field (Matt 13:44), the kingdom of God is like a merchant in search of fine pearls who finds one (Matt 13:45), the kingdom of God is like a master of a house who brings out his treasure (Matt. 13:52), the kingdom of God is like yeast baked in bread (Matt. 13:33).
All of these parables express the value in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God permeates the world around us. We are told the kingdom of God is here and we have access to it. The kingdom of God is God's reign. It's God's will and God's promises fulfilled on earth.
If you want to be a part of the kingdom of God, all you need is to know who the king is.
How then, do we seek the kingdom today? I think Matthew 6:31-34 is a great place to start. Do not worry—God knows what you need.He knows you need the words to say in that conversation you’re dreading with your coworker, He knows you look at your calendar and feel overwhelmed, He knows what comes next even when you face uncertainty, and it is already taken care of.
He can provide for all of these needs and He says, seek first the kingdom...and all these things will be given to you as well.When I look to my own ability, I worry. I worry I’ll say the wrong thing and hurt someone’s feelings, I worry I won’t be able to achieve the big dreams I have for the future, I worry I won’t be provided for and the list goes on and on.
But when I shift my focus to the kingdom—I gaze upon who my Father is. I’m reminded of my position as a child of the King and I know He can take care of every need. I stop being so self-focused and I start to see the plans of the Father. I am able to adopt His heart and attitude for my circumstances and for the people around me.
I am able to trust that He has it taken care of.
I don’t have to worry because I know my place in the kingdom of God. I know who God says I am, and instead of worrying I can take today as an opportunity to share the goodness of who He is to a world in need. I can live boldly and confidently because I cling to the truth of who God is, and I anticipate watching Him move. Let’s ask the Father for His vision today. He has big plans for His kingdom and it’s a blessing and an honor to partner with Him.
Journaling Prompts:
-Write about a circumstance that brings up worry in you today. How can you shift your focus to the kingdom of God in this area? Ask God to give you His vision.
-Do you believe if you seek the kingdom first God will provide for all your other needs? Write about any truth you need to be reminded of—who you are in Him, and who He is.
-When you think of your role in the kingdom of God, what do you think of?
Prayer:
Hey Jesus, thank you for making a place for us in the kingdom of God. Holy Spirit be with us today and show us when and how we can see things from a kingdom perspective. Guide us into opportunities to see and be a part of bringing your kingdom here. Father, show us how we can step into deeper trust, and shift our perspective to your kingdom. We are thankful and honored to be your kids. Amen.
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