Putting First Things First
Author: Pastor H. Bill Coker
February 08, 2021
Scripture:
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33; NKJV).
Reflections:
Are you inundated by the demands of life? Juggling issues with family, work, relationships, finances, health, and other personal issues of life? Do you find yourself playing catch-up at every turn? Do you have a perspective for your life and its demands? STOP! STOP! STOP! If you are to set things in order, which one of these demands goes first? Stop and think about it for a moment. Really, what or who goes first in the order of things?
The absence of order is disorder which is chaos. Things are caught in the whirlwinds of life, flung into its swifts, and rendering things almost irretrievable. Be careful not be get caught in the currents of the moment—those forces which can breed discouragement, discontentment and can spur the temptations to quit. The more you go after these demands to reconcile them, the more anxiety and frustration sets in. The Apostle Paul offers these words of consolation: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6, 7; NKJV). In other words, when you extend your petitions to God with an intensity of earnestness; transferring the burdens of your hearts into the Mighty Hand of God, rather than fretting over these demands, God Himself will offer His peace which will in turn, guard your hearts and minds and keeps you from nagging anxieties and frustrations. Beloved, when you come to overwhelming moments simply S-T-O-P! First, Slow down—there are some things in life that you have no control over. Ask God to help you work through those things that you can control. Second, Take a deep breath. After dealing with the hard hits and demanding seasons in life, you need to exhale toxic stress and inhale the refreshment that the Lord offers through His Spirit, to cleanse and restore you with zest for the rest of the journey. Third, Open your eyes. Consciously look to learn new lessons and discoveries in the moment. Establish a point of reference in relation to all that you have before you. Remember, you cannot do it all in a moment. So step-by-step, day-by-day, grace-by-grace, moment-by-moment, you can get there, with the help of the Lord. “…I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10; NKJV). Finally, Plan well by including God in the process. He will direct all things for your good and for His glory. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways (plans) acknowledge Him and He will direct your path (ways)” (Prov. 3:5, 6).
Putting first things first is made effective, when God is above all things. Put Him first in all that you do. He was and is and He will be the first in all things. Can you make Him your “number one?” Listen, He says to us, SEEK first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. That is the right pattern; that is the key to a meaningful and lasting process. That is what brings about soul prosperity—a peace of mind with and in God. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2; NKJV). Soul prosperity is therefore kingdom priority. Once again, put God first in all things. So, instead of allowing yourself to be preoccupied with the demands of life, try putting God first in everything; that is seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and know that as you do so, God has already pledged Himself with covenant faithfulness to respond to the needs that you have—all these things shall be added or made available to you, in Jesus’ name.
Points for Contemplation:
1. What thing(s) is causing your frustration? Have you really identified it?
2. If you rack and stack them, which one of these would you need to work through now? If you are able to conquer this one, how will it affect the others? Positively or Negatively?
3. Do you have issues with being in control all the time? I do not need anyone to help me. I got it all together…. When was the last time you asked for help?
4. Have you included God in the process? If you do, will you be able to tell the marked difference?
5. What will you do differently today as you chart your course to wholesome end in Christ Jesus?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I have been so rebellious in my ways, trying to fix and do, what I cannot in my own strengths and abilities. Forgive me for walking in the path of disorder and allowing frustration to get the better part of me, when I should have invited you into the process. I pray O Lord that you will accept my invitation to extend Your Mighty hand to help me through the seasons and demands of life. I will trust You O Lord, to see me through. Thank you for your already established covenant faithfulness to attend to my needs as I put You first in all things. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
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