“As we embark on the journey into a new year, let us approach it with hearts overflowing with gratitude for God’s faithfulness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 1, 2024
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
I find myself excited about the possibilities of a new year and a little apprehensive about what might go wrong over the course of the next twelve months. I have to remind myself that seeking God first does not eliminate pain; in fact, walking with Jesus may invite uncomfortable, even hurtful encounters over the next year. Yet, my righteous God will do what’s right in what’s best for me. No need to fret about the future, but with eyes wide, gaze into the face of my faithful heavenly Father and receive His love and calming assurance. Spiritual stamina, financial provision, physical endurance, and relational health are God’s generous gifts I can look forward to experiencing as we journey together. Journeying with Jesus refuels my heart with His peace.
Jesus Himself encourages us to seek God’s provision and blessings for the future by prioritizing our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His purposes. We can eagerly anticipate His blessings and provision in the coming year, knowing that He will abundantly provide for our needs. As we embark on the journey into a new year, let us approach it with hearts overflowing with gratitude for God’s faithfulness. Let us celebrate the past year’s blessings, acknowledging His provision, guidance, and presence in our lives. Simultaneously, let us eagerly anticipate the unfolding of His plans, trusting in His promises and seeking His kingdom above all else. What does it look like to seek first the kingdom of God? Nuance is necessary since subtle competitors bid us to seek them first in the name of seeking God’s kingdom first.
A Kingdom first mindset is not easily distracted by very positive or very negative circumstances. For example, an answered prayer of healing may invigorate the faith of a faithful community, but healing need not become an end in itself; instead, seeking God’s kingdom is the ongoing focus. Good things become a distraction to God’s best when the greater purpose of seeking first the Kingdom of God is not preeminent. Or, when a tragedy like loss of life or health rocks the world of family, friends, and church community. Comfort and grief are God’s means of healing and recovery, yet obsessing over loss in place of seeking first the Lord’s kingdom only dilutes divine influence. Life is a daily experience of joy and sorrow, so whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in, we stay focused on the loving face of our heavenly Father and His kingdom vision.
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the abundant blessings bestowed upon us by our gracious and faithful God in the past year. Amidst life’s joys, challenges, and uncertainties, the Scriptures remind us to celebrate and acknowledge God’s goodness while eagerly anticipating His blessings in the year to come. Scripture resounds with exhortations to praise and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings. Psalm 103:2 declares, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
As we journey with Jesus in 2024, it’s crucial to anticipate the future with hope and trust in God’s providence. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us of God’s plans for our future: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s faithfulness in the past serves as an anchor of assurance, reminding us that His plans for us are filled with hope and goodness. Journey with Jesus by seeking His kingdom with humility and wisdom. And like Solomon, you may be given more than you ever imagined:
“And I [God] have also given you [Solomon] what you have not asked: both riches and honor so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days” (1 Kings 3:13).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I look forward to journeying with you this upcoming year. As I encounter ups and downs, I will seek your Kingdom first through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name.
Application
What is your biggest competitor to seeking first God’s Kingdom?
Related Reading
1 Chronicles 16:11; Acts 17:27; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:8
Worship Resource
We The Kingdom: Jesus Does
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