But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33
Read Matthew 6:25–34, with particular attention to verse 33. Then read Psalm 119:105.
When I chose Matthew 6:33 for my confirmation, something about seeking God’s kingdom first drew me in. Years later, I’m still discovering what that means in practice.It reaches into how I make decisions, how I engage with others, who I spend time with, and what I give my attention to. Living with chronic illness gives me plenty of opportunities to consider those things. There are decisions about care, days that require adjustments, and moments when I have to acknowledge that I need help.
I want God’s Word to shape how I respond.In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks about everyday needs and the worry that can accompany them. He points his listeners toward the Father’s care and calls them to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first. The passage closes by bringing their attention back to today.
As I read it, I’m asking what it means to make God’s ways central to the day in front of me. How might that shape a conversation, a decision, or the way I respond to my own limitations?
Seeking him can be part of preparing thoughtfully for an appointment and speaking honestly about what I need. It can shape how I receive someone’s help, how patiently I respond when I’m frustrated, and whether I pause to thank him when something goes well. These ordinary moments give me places to put faith into practice.I’m already experiencing peace as I bring my stresses, frustrations, and pain to God. That peace has made me want to know him more. I want to recognize his gifts and learn how to use them well, including what my experiences might allow me to offer someone else.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." - Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:105 gives me a picture to hold alongside that desire: God’s Word lighting the path before me. There is guidance to seek for the next conversation, the next choice, the next step.
During this month of daily Bible reading, I’m giving myself time to listen. I read a passage in context, compare translations, explore words I want to understand, and write down what I’m noticing. Later, I return to it. Sometimes a thought becomes clearer after I’ve carried it through an ordinary afternoon.
You might begin with one passage and one honest question. Read slowly enough to notice what is being said and to whom. Then consider how it speaks into your own life. You don’t have to answer every question or fill several pages for that time to matter.
Questions to Carry Into Your Day
Living to God’s glory is something I’m still learning. I get off track, and I turn back to him. My hope rests in Christ, and that hope reaches beyond this life. It also shapes what I want to do with today.
I want to love well. I want to recognize the blessings before me. I want my faith to be visible in how I live, including on the days when living takes more effort.
My Prayer as I Begin
Father, thank you for the peace you have brought into my life and for the desire to know you more. Help me understand your Word and let it shape my choices, my relationships, and how I spend my days. Show me how to care wisely for the life you’ve given me and how to use my experiences for good. When I stumble, , help me turn back to you with honesty and trust. May the way I live point others toward your love. Amen.