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Matthew 6:33 (NET)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

True hope is found in seeking God above all else. When we prioritize him, everything else falls into place—not always in the way we expect, but in the way he knows is best. Seeking God means trusting in his promises, even when the future seems uncertain. It’s holding onto the hope that he is faithful—yesterday, today, and forever.

Seeking First the Kingdom: What does it mean?

1. Aligning our desires with God’s will

Seeking God’s kingdom means choosing his ways over our own. It requires surrender—letting go of our own plans and trusting that his are better. When we prioritize righteousness (living according to his truth), we cultivate a life that reflects his love, justice, and faithfulness.

2. Living with eternal perspective

Instead of worrying about the temporary things of life—what we will eat, wear, or achieve—Jesus teaches us to focus on what truly lasts: our relationship with him and his kingdom. This doesn’t mean we neglect responsibilities, but rather that we trust God to provide and partner with us as we put him first. We always keep our primary focus on him.

3. Trusting in his promises even in uncertainty

Seeking God’s kingdom first is a declaration of faith. It’s saying, “Lord, I trust that if I follow you, you will take care of the rest.” This doesn’t always mean life will go the way we plan, but it does mean that everything will work out according to his perfect plan (Romans 8:28).

In the Old Testament, Abraham’s life was a picture of hope in what was yet to come. He left his home without knowing where God was leading him. He believed in God’s promise of a son, despite his old age. And he trusted that even if he had to sacrifice his son Isaac, God would still be faithful. His hope was not in his circumstances but in the one who holds the future.

Even in struggles and hardships, Abraham sought God first. The hope that Abraham carried wasn’t just for himself but for generations to come. The promise made to him was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ—the true blessing to all nations (Galatians 3:29). Like Abraham, we are called to place our hope not in what we see at the moment, but in the One who holds the future.

How do we live this out?

• Prioritize God daily – Seek him first in decisions, relationships, and plans.
• Trust his timing – Even when things seem delayed, his promises never fail.
• Surrender control – Let go of worry and embrace faith, knowing he guides and provides.
• Live with hope – Just as Abraham believed in things unseen, we can walk forward with confidence, knowing God is faithful.

By seeking his kingdom first, we find true peace and provision—not always in the way we expect, but always in the way he knows is best.

• Yesterday: We remember how God has been faithful in the past. (See Psalm 36:9)
• Today: We find fullness of joy in his presence. (See Psalm 16:11)
• Tomorrow: Our faith and hope are in God, who never fails. (See 1 Peter 1:21)

Questions to reflect on:

• What does seeking God first look like in your daily life?
• How does Abraham’s story challenge you to trust God more?
• In what ways has God shown his faithfulness in your past that you can hold onto for the future?

Prayer:

Father, I choose to seek you first in all things. Help me to trust your plans, even when I don’t see the full picture. Strengthen my faith like Abraham, so I can walk in obedience and hope. Remind me of your faithfulness in the past, and give me peace in the present as I trust You for the future. Amen.