All These Things

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33 KJV).

I have a confession.  I haven't been seeking first the kingdom of God lately.  I've been seeking "all these things."  That verse from Matthew 6:33 can roll off my tongue in no time, but I can't seem to get the message to penetrate my heart. 

Lately, "all these things" have wrapped their burdensome weight around my mind and have bid stress to course through my veins like a toxic wash.  It's not that "all these things" are bad in and of themselves.  Instead, it's that I find myself needlessly focused on them, causing unwelcome foes to seep into my bones... worries, fears, questions, doubts.  I feel frustrated by their intrusion.  And then, I remember.

"Seek ye first."  I hear those words whispered in my ear, cutting through the panic that sets in when "all these things" turn traitorous and cause my mind such unrest.  "Seek ye first."

I hear myself say, "Yes, Lord.  For then 'all these things' will fall into place...if I seek Your kingdom first."  That remembrance floods my heart with peace.  All I have to do is keep my eyes on Christ.  All He asks is that I follow Him and listen for His voice.  When I do, like a dissipating storm, "all these things" will shrivel from the gluttonous power I was granting them before and will no longer dominate my very being.

I find that the truths of Scripture seem to instruct me little nuggets at a time.  Right now, "Seek Ye First" as well as "All These Things" are two three-word phrases that have continually rung in my heart, reminding me that there really is a godly way to prioritize living. 

Lord, teach me to get this right.  Teach me to seek You and Your kingdom first.  Then, as "all these things" fall into their proper place, may I be quick to give You praise.