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These Things

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Just what are “these things?” According to the previous verse, they include what to eat, what to drink, and what to wear. As a woman, these are things that often consume our daily lives. In taking care of the home, we are constantly addressing the need to eat, the need to drink, and the need to wear something that is appropriate and preferably fashionable.

In the next verse, Jesus indicates that those who chase after “these things” are idolaters. I have to admit that if you were to see my closets (yes, plural), you would certainly conclude that I have chased a few things to wear. The increasing size of my waist gives obvious attention that I have also chased after something to eat lately – and caught it! Such things should not be our focus. If we will simply turn our concentration from our closets and our stomachs to seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, we would find that all “these things” would be provided for us with no worry or struggle at all.

So, why do we not trust God in the areas of “these things?” I can’t help but think it is because we crave too much. We have some crazy idea that God will only give us the very minimal amount we need and will not supply what we truly desire. If only we could turn our craving to His presence, our need for other things would diminish.

Christ came so we might have life and have it more abundantly. God’s supply is always more than enough, as evidenced in the feeding of the 5,000, the supply of the building of the tabernacle, and the widow’s oil. When we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, He supplies more than enough to meet our needs. Our time, energy, and resources are actually wasted in chasing after “these things.” In fact, we are truly missing out on a life of abundance by not putting God first.

Ask God where your labor is in vain. Refocus your attention to seeking His kingdom and His righteousness, and let Him add the rest to you. This promise is a word upon which you can stand and cast your cares to God in the process. He has more for us than we can imagine if we will only seek Him first. A clean closet, a trimmer waist, and less worry would be worth it! And that is just the start of what He might provide. Who knows where we might go or the people that we might reach?

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.