Seeking God First

What are you striving and seeking after?

What have you thought about the most over the past 24 hours?

What have you inquired about?

If you’re anything like me, your thoughts have been all over the place:

Money to pay bills, buy school supplies, and school clothes for the kids.

Seed money for a new business opportunity.

Should I try for a promotion on the job?

Ministry concerns.

Vacation plans.

My purpose…am I doing what God has called me to do?

As wives, mothers, employees, employers, businesswomen, homemakers, etc., our focus and attention are pulled in multiple directions simultaneously.  And I don’t know about you, but sometimes the cares of life push God’s kingdom and righteousness out of the #1 spot in my mind.

Oh, it’s not intentional, but it happens nonetheless.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Women of God, we have to remember to seek the essential thing FIRST:

The kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Seek in this verse means (in part) to seek by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into.  It also means to strive after and to crave (See Strong’s Number, G2212).

Woman of God, are you CRAVING God?  Are you thinking about Him, meditating on His Word, and inquiring after Him?

Instead of seeking things first, let’s seek God first.

Seeking Him for Our Purpose

Seek God for your purpose.  It’s incredible how many people spend hundreds and thousands of dollars trying to find their purpose.  We take class after class and read every self-help book on the market, but if we just seek God, we’ll understand who we are and what our purposes are.  We’ll know what we’re supposed to do, and distractions are more easily identified.  Seeking God first is like having a daily briefing with our commander-in-chief or manager.  He tells us what He needs us to do and then gives us the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to get it done.  As we do the things He sets before us, we’re walking in our purpose!

Seeking Him for Our Families

Seeking God first reminds us of the importance of our families.  Jesus demonstrated His love and concern for family while He was dying on the cross as He placed His mother in John’s care (John 19:26-27).  When we seek God and His righteousness first, He’ll show us what our families, spouses, and children need from us.

Seeking Him for Our Professions/Businesses

Seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness first in business will remind us that even our professions are used to glorify His kingdom.   Seeking Him first will keep us honest in business.  He will give us ideas, vision, knowledge, and resources when we seek Him.  Unfortunately, many people seek wealth, promotion, and exposure first and then experience anger and frustration at the lack of progress they see in their lives.  Give your business or career over to God and watch Him move on your behalf.

Seeking Him for Our Ministries

It’s unfortunate, but many women of God seek ministry over seeking God.  Women of God, we have to seek Him first to tell us what He requires of us in ministry.  He’ll add to us by giving us bible study lessons, sermons, patience, love, vision, and more for our ministries and churches.

Bonus – Peace and Joy

Do you find yourself snapping at people, easily angered, irritable?  If so, when’s the last time you sought the Lord?  When’s the last time you spent quality time with Him in His word?  Seeking God results in a peace that “…surpasses all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7) and a “fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11) that will have people scratching their heads in confusion.

Seeking God first comes with benefits, and the five listed here are just a few.  We have to CRAVE God and strive for His kingdom and His righteousness.  When we do that, He promises to add the other things we need.

Comment below and share what you’re seeking God for at this season in your life.

Prayer:  Lord, forgive us for forgetting to seek you first.  Help us to keep our minds and hearts stayed on You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.