Posted by 90 Days of Prayer – Day Twenty Two
Matthew 6:33
“…But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
This passage is set in the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus unfolds the new life of kingdom living; which begins with a righteousness that comes from God. In our passage, the word “seek” is here in the present active tense, and would be rightly understood as “continually seek.”
In Matthew 6:31 Jesus tells his followers “Do not worry” about the things they need, God will provide for them. Here is a principle of provision for others as well as ourselves, if we will be seeking God’s Kingdom standard first.
The principle is simple enough but impossible to maintain without the grace that comes from heaven. Jesus teaches that seeking God’s Kingdom and Righteousness first, all daily provisions will be provided.
God’s Kingdom Lifestyle
This kingdom lifestyle of simple regular prayer for God’s will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven,” brings amazing blessings into the life of the believer. His Kingdom becomes a living reality to us, and the fact that He has made us His righteousness in Christ becomes our experience. That alone should be enough to motivate us to embark on the practice of meeting with God daily and often.
Abraham was a kingdom seeker and an altar builder, meeting regularly with God. He had God’s righteousness credited to his account because he believed! Hebrews 11:10 says that “he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Abraham was always seeking God’s kingdom on earth as it was in heaven, and God supplied for his every need.
The Lifestyle of Regular Meetings with God
Through the practice of regular prayer, we develop a keen sense of discernment, we recognize God’s presence more quickly and are given an abiding confidence that every need will be supplied. In the enjoyment, God’s presence, seeking our personal provisions become secondary, to the bigger picture of establishing God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Think of the influence the Church will exercise in society if we all lived this abiding kingdom lifestyle! We are still the City on the Hill.
We must have the Holy Spirit’s influence if we are to believe God and have the faith to pray effectively for the advancement of the Gospel first. Through regular prayer, God’s Kingdom purposes become the priority in our lives, and the much-needed blessings that sustain us from day to day, are many times provided without us seeking God for them. This keeps the Church free from worry so we can properly focus on His Kingdom business – The Great Commission.
It really is common sense when you think about it. How can the Church effectively bring the blessing of the gospel to a lost and needy world, while we are preoccupied with finding a way to have our own needs supplied? God’s blessings flow into our life more consistently when we seek Him first. Jesus said that He already knows what we have need of, so why not believe him?
The Confidence of Kingdom Living
You’ll discover a growing attitude of faith in everything you do as God’s kingdom becomes a reality in your life. You’ll have a sense of hope and expectancy even while going through difficulties. You’ll have peace knowing God is with you every step of the way. Jesus not to worry about provisions because God already knows you need them.
So, “delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (see Psalm 37:4).
Continue meeting regularly with God, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteous, make God’s Kingdom your priority. Be hopeful, Be confident and Be Encouraged! -JSP