Our final theme, “Seeking God’s Kingdom,” explores Bible texts describing what God’s Kingdom is. Where do we look, and how do we know when we’ve found it? Simply stated, the Kingdom of God is where we find God sitting on his throne. Often referred to as “heaven,” God’s kingdom is where King Jesus rules, and everyone who believes is welcome.
Jesus commands us to seek His Kingdom rather than get distracted by all the wrong things. We can all identify with what it means to worry and how, in times of crisis, we are often stuck in a spiral of worry and dread. Jesus knows how lost we can get when our thoughts run rampant, chasing after “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Even the most devout of believers can fall prey to the evil one’s schemes to distract us with worry or concerns of the day.
What does Jesus say about that? “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Don’t rush past the promise either. All our needs will be satisfied when we stay focused on Jesus and live a life pleasing to Him. Seeking His Kingdom should be our top priority, not an afterthought. Jesus says, “above all else,” search for my kingdom.
We’ll never be free to seek after God if we’re held captive by our worries. Jesus challenges his audience, calling their faith into question. When our worries consume us, there isn’t much room left for other thoughts. Many of the things we find ourselves fretting over are meaningless in the scheme of our lives and salvation. Is there something that is gripping you with worry right now? Isn’t it time you gave it to God to handle?
Do you think Jesus is challenging you to trust him to care for you and your worrisome situation? We can say we have faith, but faith in what exactly? I think Jesus is helping us realize where our allegiance is and where we’d like it to be. To be free of worry sounds like a place I want to be.
When we begin following Jesus, we take baby steps toward understanding what that means for us. We have gotten so good at handling things on our own that relinquishing control can be hard—even if we know we’re handing it off to the Almighty God, Creator of the universe!
How does it make you feel that God requests we search for him? He cares for us and wants us to want him back. It’s as if God placed a “homing device” in each of our hearts, creating that desire to seek and find him. When we are apart from God, we feel like something is missing. Do you remember feeling like you weren’t complete or that something was missing? It was God. He wants us to seek Him.
We can find God in the pages of the Bible. We can learn so much about his character and love for us. We can find Him in our moments of prayer. If we listen, God can speak to our hearts and direct our paths. We can find him in nature, in church, or in the car driving to the store. God is all around us, and Jesus reminds us to seek him “above all else.” When we do that, everything else will fall into place.
Let’s pray. Father, forgive me for those times when I have been stuck in worry. I know in my heart and soul that it is so much better to pray and trust you to work it all out. Your ways are so much greater than mine could ever be. Help me be less concerned with the little things and have my focus on you in all things. Thank you for your patience with me and for loving me so much. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
