“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
~ Matthew 6:33
This verse sits at the end of Jesus’ teaching on worry in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25–34). The people of His day, like us today, were anxious about food, clothing, and daily provision. Jesus doesn’t deny those needs; He acknowledges them. But He flips the perspective: instead of chasing after necessities, He tells His followers to pursue the Kingdom of God first.
The phrase “seek first” (Greek: zēteite de prōton) means to actively pursue as a priority above all else. Jesus isn’t calling us to neglect our health, work, or responsibilities—He’s teaching us order. When the Kingdom comes first, provision follows.
And what does it mean to seek the Kingdom? It means to align our lives with God’s rule, His righteousness, His ways.
In practical terms, it looks like:
- Prioritizing prayer and Scripture before worry takes root.
- Living in righteousness, including making healthy, wise, God-honoring choices with our bodies, relationships, and resources.
- Trusting that God, as a good Father, knows our needs better than we do.
Applied to biblical health, this verse is liberating. In a world where many are consumed by anxiety over sickness, supply chains, toxins, or the future, Jesus reminds us: don’t let worry rule your heart.
Instead, let God’s Kingdom order your life. Do what is wise and good, but don’t let fear drive you. When you put God’s reign and righteousness first, He promises: “all these things will be added to you.”
This doesn’t mean indulgence or luxury but rather sufficiency. It means thriving because your life is anchored in the unshakable Kingdom, not the unstable world. It means walking in peace, knowing your health, provision, and future are in the Father’s hands.
So, the secret to thriving in troubled times isn’t striving harder, it’s seeking deeper. It’s trusting that as you put God first, He will supply the rest.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Free me from anxiety over daily needs, and remind me that You are a faithful Father who knows what I need before I ask. Help me thrive in troubled times by keeping my eyes fixed on You. Amen.
