Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
This is one of the most assuring verses in the Scriptures, because it tells us very plainly that if we place our focus on the Kingdom, the way of Jesus, if we give ourselves to this pursuit, everything else that's necessary for life will come.
Instead, Seek the Things of the Kingdom
It's assuring, but it's also a little disconcerting, if I'm being honest. If you read the context of where this verse is found, some translations will start out by saying, "Instead, seek the things that are from the Kingdom." Instead. That's referring to maybe something else that you would be seeking. Well, if you go back just a couple of verses, it will talk about not seeking what you are to eat and what you are to drink and what you are to wear.
All of those things are basic needs, right? Why should I not worry about looking for food, looking for something to drink? It seems like those are things that are important. These are red letters here. This is Jesus talking to us about what we should focus on and what we shouldn't. It's really striking to me that this basic, essential human need—eating—shouldn't be a priority in terms of what we should focus on.
Well, it's not Jesus saying that food's not important, which I'm really glad about, by the way, because I love to eat. He's also not saying you shouldn't look for something to drink or to cover yourself up. What He's saying is if you place all of your worry in you producing the ability to buy, to make, to produce, and to do in your own strength, if it's up to you alone to gather and to build, if it's up to you alone to determine where your food will come from, then you're missing the point.
God Is the Provider
Because what happens when we become self-sustaining? We become self-focused, and we become motivated only according to our own willpower, our own pursuits, our own best thinking. What Jesus is really getting at here when He says to seek the kingdom of God above all else, is to trust that He is the provider. He is the one who truly gives and provides all that we need.
Some of us might be going, yeah, but I go to work every day and I hopefully can make a paycheck to pay for all of these needs. Well, the sustenance and the sustainability of even our willingness and being able to show up to work comes from God Himself.
My Own Story
I remember one time I was going through a hard season. I was kind of thinking through some transition. We were in some financial difficulty, and I invited a mentor, an older guy, to coffee to kind of seek some wisdom about where I was and how to move forward. As I was sitting there and I was messing around with my coffee cup, I said to him, "I really want to provide for my family, and I want to make sure that I do everything that I can to get food on the table for my family, and I want to work really hard so that I can—"
He stopped me midstream and he said, "Do you recognize how many times you said the word 'I' in that last couple of minutes?" Obviously I wasn't paying attention. What he was trying to point out was I was leaving it solely to my own ability, my own desire, my own drive to get what I need for my family. What he was trying to get me to pay attention to is that though I work hard, though I will steward what I have, God is the ultimate provider.
Today, I don't know where you're at in your journey. I don't know what your story looks like, but I want you to take rest and solace in the fact that God is the provider. He is the sustainer. If we seek His will to fulfill His purposes, He will provide everything that we need.
