What is it that you seek out first and foremost? When you wake what comes to mind? Or who comes to mind? Are your thoughts Everything-Else-Plus-God or God-Period?
It is not uncommon to seek everything else before God. We are anxious. We tend to worry and fret. Our soul is hopelessly restless. Always wanting instant gratification. Waiting can be a challenge. Habitually me first! God knows our bent; thus, the need to be reminded, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.1
The Psalter reminds us, Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.2 Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.3
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!4 Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.5 My son, give me your heart; let your eyes observe my ways.6 Beware lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. And if you forget the LORD your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. Like the nations that the LORD makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the LORD your God.7
One of the scribes asked Jesus, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’. . . And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. . . .” And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.”8
Notes:
1. Matthew 6:33
2. Psalm 37:1-2
3. Psalm 37:4-6
4. Psalm 37:7
5. Proverbs 23:4
6. Proverbs 23:26
7. Deuteronomy 8:17-20
8. Mark 12:28-34
