Seek

Seek (Written by guest writer David Peterson)

Jesus is in the middle of His “Sermon on the Mount” when He says:

“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”

This passage, recorded in Matthew 6:31–33 (and paralleled in Luke 12:22–31), urges Jesus’ listeners to seek salvation and trust that God will supply their needs. When we earnestly pursue the kingdom of God, we discover that His blessings follow. We must trust that God will provide for us.

Evangelical author Jerry Bridges wrote in his book The Pursuit of Holiness:

“We must have conviction that it is God’s will that we seek holiness—regardless of how arduous and painful the seeking may be. And we must be confident that the pursuit of holiness results in God’s approval and blessing, even when circumstances make it appear otherwise.”

Bridges reminds us that we must trust God and continue to seek His righteousness, even when the path is difficult or unclear.

Isaac Watts captured this same spirit in his 1835 hymn “Often I Seek My Lord by Night.” In verse 3, he expresses his joy upon finding the Lord:

Sometimes I find Him in my way,

Directed by a heav’nly ray;

I leap for joy to see His face,

And hold Him fast in mine embrace.

Let us pray:

Savior Jesus, we come before You with hearts that long to seek Your Kingdom above everything else. Fill us with the passion to pursue Your righteousness, knowing that everything we need will fall into place as we align our lives with Your will. Amen.