Today I ponder one question, what am I seeking? To seek is simply an attempt to find and obtain something. As a people watcher, it is quite clear that we are a busy people constantly seeking things, people, positions, approval, love, attention and so many other objects of this world. Anxiety is at an all-time high and worry is becoming a daily routine. As I was going about my last week, I couldn’t stop singing the song, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you, hallelujah.” (Matthew 6:33)
It’s funny how you can sing a song for five days and finally realize, God might be trying to tell you something. Ha! In God’s gentle way, He reminded me to seek Him first. His name above all other names, His voice above any other voice, and His thoughts above all other thoughts. Seeking God’s Kingdom means, we do not want to long for the things of this world to satisfy and provide for us, we seek His Kingdom and then the “things” will be added. This is basically God’s way of saying, “trust me and not the world.” Sometimes what we think is best for us, might not be exactly what God’s plan is. A sweet mama from my hometown always told me, “you can write all your plans out in pencil, that way God can erase the parts that He has a different plan for, and trust me, He will.”
A few nights ago, Dan was working, and the boys were tucked in for the night. I sat at my piano, which I haven’t done in a while, and I just started playing whatever came out of my fingers and sang whatever came out of my mouth. It wasn’t long until tears started streaming down my face. I felt like Jesus was just sitting with me at my piano bench. I didn’t want to leave that space because in that time of seeking His glorious face, sovereign kingdom and righteousness, peace flowed over me like a river.
The same week that I had this overflowing peace, I was also having sleepless nights and a busy mind. I was worried about people’s opinions, approval and the unknowns of our future. Galatians 5 tells us that our spirit and flesh are always in conflict with each other, and I had confirmation in this last week that we are in a tug-a-war between kingdom purpose and earthly focus. Our spirit longs for communion with the Father while our flesh seeks the things of this world. It is when we make the choice to seek the Kingdom first that we feel peace over the fear. When we can rest in the unknowns of life and trust that as God cares for the lilies in the fields and the birds in the air, so He can care for us. Not if, but when the worry comes to steal your joy, let us all be reminded to check what we are seeking, and remember the “added things” come after we walk in the obedience of seeking His kingdom first.
Emily Rodewald 