Over night, I was woken by little dog whining which led me to be awake for a time. And I began to think about upcoming bills, things we need to cover financially and what if Joshua doesn’t find a job. What if. What if.
Even if. Change the tapes. I have been working on Matthew 6 for quite awhile and as all of this anxiety planning was going on, I began to pray and Matthew 6 popped into my mind. Specifically:
”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“
Matthew 6:33-34 NASB1995
https://bible.com/bible/100/mat.6.33-34.NASB1995
All of these worries and fears, God says seek His kingdom first. God knows that I need all these things. Seek first his kingdom. His righteousness. You see I want a plan. I want to see the bills paid. Etc. Yet, God says right here. Seek me. So I did some research. First cross reference to this passage is Solomon.
2 Chronicles 1:7-12
”In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?” God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.”“
https://bible.com/bible/100/2ch.1.7-12.NASB1995
Solomon acknowledges God’s lovingkindness. God, I see your lovingkindness in my own life. God keeps his promises. God, I know you will carry on the good work in me. Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge to do the work which he has been called. God, I have many situations right now that need your wisdom and knowledge that we do what you are calling. Help me hear your voice. Help me know what to do next.
God’s response sees Solomon’s heart and not only gives him what he asks, but so much more abundantly than he could ask or think.
Ephesians 3:20-21
”Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.“
https://bible.com/bible/100/eph.3.20-21.NASB1995
So, little ol’ heart of mine, just think upon this. That power raised Jesus from the dead. Another example:
2 Chronicles 31:20-21
”Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the Lord his God. Every work which he began in the service of the house of God in law and in commandment, seeking his God, he did with all his heart and prospered.“
https://bible.com/bible/100/2ch.31.20-21.NASB1995
If you know anything about, King Hezekiah, then you know he was not perfect. He made mistakes. Yet, we see many examples of his faithfulness to God. But this is how the author of Chronicles wants you, the reader, to remember him. He did what was good, right and true before the Lord HIS God. His service was to the house of God in law and commands. He sought after his God with all his heart. (Did I literally just re-type those verses? Yes. Yes I did.)
Here we are, back again, seek the Lord with all your heart. I need to remember this is not a transaction, this is my heart shifting to kingdom work. Trusting that God will care for all the rest.
This life with Christ is hard. Yet, I know this to be true, in the middle of the night when fears creep, knowing His word and having it come to my mind and change my outlook, is everything. I’ll finish with this.
Micah 6:8
”He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?“
https://bible.com/bible/100/mic.6.8.NASB1995
Leave A Reply