Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Today’s Reading: Psalm 95:1-7

All month I’ve listened to online tutorials and have gradually designed and built my website, Above All Else. Creating an official blog was the fulfillment of a long-time dream. Back in the early 1980’s at Fresno State, I took several computer programming classes and loved them. Finally I’m putting some of that knowledge to use.

After designing the website, the next step was to write my monthly devotional. But as I sat at the computer, my hands resting on the keyboard, I drew a complete blank. My fingers wouldn’t budge.

For six weeks I’d been immersed in designing my website and what felt like “ME above all else,” arranging my stories, describing my childhood, and uploading my photos. Now I could think of nothing spiritual to say.

Closing my eyes, I shot up a quick prayer, “God, will you help me? I need wisdom.” Then whispers of doubt slipped into my thoughts. My quiet time with God has been sporadic this month and I didn’t pray at all yesterday, even though my blog is about seeking God. I don’t have a right to ask for help.

The accusation brought me up short. Is that how I truly believe God treats me? That he has a checklist I must complete before he invites me into his presence?

In my last year of college, I chose as my guiding philosophy: Seek first the kingdom of God, rather than wealth, entertainment, or good grades. Today I am again grappling with age-old questions such as, “What does it mean to seek God above all else? Do I need to pray every hour? Read my bible at every meal? Will he love me if I fall short?”

Seeking God above all doesn’t mean shuffling through my day like a devout monk, completely focused on the heavenly realms. It is a heart attitude where I humbly recognize God’s thoughts and ways are above mine, I can do absolutely nothing to earn God’s favor, and by his grace he will transform me.

With that perspective, I can trust he wants the best for me, so I gain strength to follow through with what he asks me to do. Taking time to know God through reading his Word and conversing with him is a privilege and pleasure that grounds me in these truths. It isn’t a duty to perform before I ask favors.

I acknowledge that when problems arise in my life, I default to thinking I deserve better from God, and that makes it difficult to totally trust him. On the other hand, when all’s going well, I tend to think I can do everything in my own strength. When I’m bored … I complain then too!

My goal this year is to get to know God intimately. I want to grow to love him more, learn to trust him deeply, and choose to serve him every day. And above all else, simply rest in his loving care.

Will you join me on the journey?

Prayer: Thank you Father, that as I seek you above all else, you provide everything I need.

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