The book of Exodus records the story of the people of God, ultimately misunderstanding why God rescued them, complaining rather than putting their confidence in Him. So. God asked them to schedule a weekly Sabbath, setting time aside for Him; however, they were more concerned with the details of what they had to do to have a Sabbath than the purpose of it: So the people quit working on the seventh day.The Israelites named it manna (What is it?). It looked like coriander seed, whitish. And it tasted like a cracker with honey.(Exodus 16: 30-31, The Message)
The Exodus people questioned, examined, and complained, but did not run to the heart of God with trust, confidence, or gratefulness. The thing is . . . God desired then. . . as He does for us now . . . to connect with Him before anything and anyone else. We are released from all the stuff that entangles us on the journey when we turn completely to God. When we connect with God rather than to a problem, pressures, or even other people . . . we realize, once again, that God is in control rather than someone or something.
The thing is . . . we long for the freedom from the stuff of life . . . but until we seek Christ first, we will experience self-imposed constraints and limitations.
Jesus taught the life point, a vital component of living healthy and whole: These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6: 32-34, NLT)
As we seek and connect with the heart of God we understand that we will be okay . . . that all things will work together for good . . . and that we will receive everything we need. Christ made it clear that there is no reason to worry . . . that God will give us everything we need. So. We must refuse to let problems, pressures, and the stuff of other people to dominate our focus of life . . . but, rather . . . intentionally trust and put our confidence in God by seeking Him first. Remember Jesus said, "Seek the kingdom of God first" (Matthew 6:33).
When all is said and done, when someone seeks God first, it is revealed in the fruit of their life. And, likewise when an individual seeks anything or anyone first, before God, the fruit of their life decision is seen.
Refuse to let problems, pressures, or the stuff of people dominate your life.
Turn completely to God.
Take time to seek God first.
Trust and put your confidence in God.
Learning to KickStart the day seeking God first,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie L. Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)