Seek God First

Seek God First

One of the most fundamental principles in the Christian faith is the call to seek God first. It means prioritizing our relationship with God above everything else in our lives—our ambitions, desires, and daily concerns. Jesus himself emphasized this in the Sermon on the Mount, saying:

Matthew 6:33 (NIV) - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

This verse encapsulates the essence of putting God at the forefront. When we prioritize God, He promises to take care of our needs. Seeking God first involves trusting Him wholeheartedly, praying consistently, and aligning our lives with His will.

Why Seek God First?

God Knows Our Needs: The Bible reassures us that God is aware of our necessities. Jesus reminds us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or drink, or about our bodies and what we will wear (Matthew 6:25). Instead, our focus should be on seeking God, trusting that He will provide.

God Guides Us: When we seek God first, He directs our paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

God Gives Us Strength: Seeking God first means relying on His strength rather than our own. Isaiah 40:31 states, "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Peace in Prioritizing God: Life can be overwhelming, but seeking God first brings peace. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." When we put God first, we gain the tranquility that comes from knowing He is in control.

Spiritual Growth: Prioritizing God nurtures our spiritual lives. Colossians 3:1-2 encourages believers to set their hearts on things above, not on earthly things. This mindset fosters growth and deeper faith.

Experiencing God's Promises: Throughout the Bible, God makes promises to those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Seeking God ensures that we remain in a position to receive His blessings.

Building Intimacy with God: The more we seek God, the deeper our relationship with Him becomes. James 4:8 encourages us, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." This closeness is vital for spiritual fulfillment and growth.

How to Seek God First

Start Your Day with Prayer: Setting aside time in the morning to connect with God sets the tone for the day.

Meditate on the Word: Regularly reading the Bible keeps our hearts aligned with God's will.

Live Out Your Faith: Let your actions reflect your commitment to God. Serve others, show love, and practice forgiveness.

Trust His Plan: Even when challenges arise, continue to trust that God’s plans are higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Involve God in Decisions: Before making choices, seek God's guidance through prayer and reflection.

Fellowship with Believers: Being part of a faith community strengthens our commitment to seeking God and offers mutual encouragement.

Worship and Praise: Expressing gratitude and worship strengthens our focus on God and reminds us of His greatness.

Conclusion

Seeking God first is not just a one-time decision but a daily commitment. As we prioritize God in our lives, we experience His guidance, provision, and peace. Let us strive to make seeking God a lifestyle, knowing that when we put Him first, everything else falls into place. In doing so, we will live purposeful and fulfilled lives rooted in faith and trust.

By consistently placing God at the center, we not only align our lives with His will but also experience the abundant life that Jesus promised (John 10:10). Let us be intentional in our pursuit of God, confident that His presence and blessings will overflow in our lives.