What practical steps help us trust God for "these things" in life? The Context: What Are “These Things”? Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” “These things” (vv. 25-32) refer to everyday necessities—food, drink, clothing, and tomorrow’s uncertainties. The Lord promises that as we prioritize His kingdom, He carries the weight of supplying what we need. The Core Instruction: Seek First • “Seek” is a present imperative—keep on seeking. • “First” establishes order and priority, not an afterthought. • “Kingdom of God” points to His rule—His agenda over ours. • “His righteousness” calls for practical obedience aligned with His character. Practical Ways to Trust God for “These Things” 1. Prioritize daily fellowship with God • Begin the day in Scripture (Psalm 63:1). • Let His promises set the tone before needs hit your mind. 2. Replace worry with worship • Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything… with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” • Turn every flare-up of anxiety into praise for a past provision. 3. Keep a gratitude ledger • Record each answered prayer or unexpected supply (Psalm 103:2). • Reviewing God’s track record builds present confidence. 4. Order finances under His rule • Tithe and give first (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Budget the rest; stewardship proves trust that He can stretch what remains. 5. Simplify life to kingdom essentials • Hebrews 13:5 – “Be content with what you have.” • Declutter possessions, schedules, even digital intake; less noise makes it easier to notice God’s hand. 6. Memorize need-focused promises • Matthew 6:26 – “Are you not much more valuable than they?” • Psalm 37:25 – “I have not seen the righteous forsaken.” • Recite aloud when fears surface. 7. Serve someone else’s need • Proverbs 11:25 – “He who waters will himself be watered.” • Meeting another’s lack positions you to witness God meet yours. 8. Stay in righteous pathways • Psalm 84:11 – “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” • Integrity keeps the channel of provision clear. 9. Practice Sabbath rhythms • Regular rest declares, “God runs my world even when I cease from labor.” 10. Speak expectancy, not scarcity • Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Replace “I don’t know how we’ll make it” with “The Lord will provide” (Genesis 22:14). Supporting Scriptures • Luke 12:31 – “Seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” • 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” • Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare His own Son… how will He not also… graciously give us all things?” Putting It All Together Trust grows where God’s reign is front-and-center. As we consciously seek Him first—through worship, obedience, generosity, simplicity, and thankful remembrance—He faithfully adds “these things” to our lives, proving once again that His Word is utterly reliable. |