DEVOTION – DAY 29

Matthew 6:33-34 – “Seeking God first”

 

Matthew 6:33-34: “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

With the Covid-19 pandemic, apart from worrying about getting infected, many are starting to worry about the longer term effects the pandemic will have on our jobs, our businesses, and whether we are all heading into a global recession. In times like this, it is good to reflect upon Matthew 6:33-34. It is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount.

The main point of verse 33 is that Jesus is teaching us, His followers, to always seek to do things that our God wants us to do, not the things we want to do. Before Covid-19 pandemic, many of us might be distracted with holidays abroad, business trips, busy with work demands, going to try out new restaurants and cafes and so on. Covid-19 effectively wiped all that out of our agendas and forced us to stay at home, work from home and with time to think about what is really important.

And God is telling us to submit and do His Will for us first. For some, it may be to strengthen relationships with our family members now that everyone is forced to be home together. For some husbands, it may now be time to start a daily period of family devotion or reading together of God’s Word. For some, it may be to show compassion and practical help to those you know who may need a helping hand during these tough times. God is also telling us that the righteousness we seek is the righteousness that only He can give to us. It is a reminder that we are to live the kind of lives God wants of us here today.

In verse 34, it begins with the word “therefore”. This verse should be read together with the whole passage in Matthew 6:19-34.  The word ‘therefore” reassures us that we can trust that what Jesus teaches in verse 34 is true. We are not to worry about tomorrow because we can trust and have faith in our Heavenly Father. This does not mean there will not be trouble waiting for us but God wants us to know that He will be right there for us and we can trust in Him to carry us through whatever happens in our lives. As Christians, let us not worry about the coming recession. If it comes, it comes. We are powerless to stop it. God wants us to live lives of faith.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your assurance that you are with us every moment of every day. Thank you for reminding us not to worry even as we live in uncertain times but to focus on doing all that you want us to do and to live our lives for you. In Jesus great name we pray. Amen.

 

Questions:

  1. What kind of things worry you?
  2. What kind of things do you think God wants you to do? Are you doing them?
  3. What kind of things occupy your time and are they things you want to do or God wants you to do?
  4. What must you do to stop worrying?