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.”
- This passage speaks to the holistic approach of focusing on God’s kingdom and righteousness, which impacts the mind (peace of mind), body (trusting God with needs), and soul (spiritual health).
Let’s Explore How We Can Apply This In Our Daily Lives
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…”
- Seek God’s Kingdom: To seek God’s kingdom means prioritizing His will, His values, and His way of doing things. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s purposes and living according to His principles. This isn’t just about attending church or reading the Bible; it’s about letting God’s rule and authority guide our choices in every area of life—relationships, work, health, finances, etc.
- Seek His Righteousness: Righteousness refers to living in a way that reflects God’s holiness and goodness. It’s about making choices that honor God, act in love toward others, and reflect His character in the world. Seeking righteousness involves striving to live in purity and integrity, according to the standards God has set.
- How to Apply This: In every interaction, practice kindness, honesty, and patience. When you’re tempted to act out of selfishness or sin, pause and reflect on God’s righteousness, remembering that His ways are better. If you make a mistake, seek forgiveness, and aim to do better next time.
“…and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- God Provides for Our Needs: Jesus is reminding us that when we focus on His kingdom and righteousness, He will take care of everything else—our needs, worries, and concerns. This is a reassurance that we don’t need to chase after worldly things or be consumed by fear about our future. When we put God first, He promises to provide for us.
- How to Apply This: Trust that God will provide for your needs, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Instead of being anxious or obsessing over what might happen tomorrow (or in the future), believe that God knows exactly what you need and will supply it. You can trust Him to guide your steps and provide the resources, opportunities, and support you need.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Focus on Today: Worrying about the future can rob us of the joy and peace of today. Jesus is encouraging us to live in the present and trust Him with the future. He acknowledges that each day comes with its challenges, but He promises that His grace and help are available for today.
- How to Apply This: When you find yourself worrying about what might happen tomorrow, remind yourself that God’s grace is sufficient for today. Take each day one step at a time, handling today’s responsibilities and challenges, and trust that God will give you the strength you need for tomorrow when it comes.
- Practical Steps: You might start by writing down your worries and then pray over them, surrendering your anxieties to God. Practice mindfulness by staying focused on the present moment, taking one task at a time, and giving your best to each moment without feeling the need to control the outcome of tomorrow.
Living This Out Daily:
- Morning Routine: Begin your day by seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. Pray for His guidance and commit your day to His purpose. Acknowledge that your first priority is to honor Him, no matter what you face that day.
- Mindset Shift: When worries creep in, whether it’s about finances, relationships, or career, pause and remind yourself of Matthew 6:33-34. Recognize that these concerns are real but that they don’t need to overwhelm you. Focus instead on what you can do today and trust that God is in control of the future.
- Release Control: Instead of striving to control every outcome, learn to rest in God’s sovereignty. Trust that He will guide you through challenges, provide for your needs, and protect you from unnecessary stress. Let go of the need to have everything figured out and focus on being faithful today.
- Gratitude and Trust: Cultivate a habit of gratitude throughout the day. Thank God for His provision, protection, and peace. As you do this, your mind will naturally turn away from anxiety and toward trust in God’s goodness.