Aim At And Strive After His Word

I wanted to do a follow up to my last posting 'Direction for 2010’. I want to take some time to reflect on applying Matthew 6:33 to our every day lives. I really like the way the Amplified bible translates it.

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

The Holy Spirit is telling us here that every day we should strive (to exert much effort or energy; endeavor) after God’s way of doing things. He is saying clearly that our aim (determined course or direct, our effort) should be to seek His will and His way in everything we do. Our daily focus should be on what God has for us to do that day. How does He want to use us? Who does He wants us to speak to? How does He want us to handle certain situations?

When we put our focus on doing things His ways, the right way, we don’t have to worry about anything because we KNOW that He WILL take care of everything. He will work EVERY situation out for our good. No matter what the situation is. (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20)

To seek His way of doing things is to apply His Word to our life, living it out loud and being a doer of the Word. In order to be a doer of the Word we have to know what His Word says about whatever it is that we are facing.

If we are battling worry, fear, & anxiety His Words says,

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” Psalm 55:22

If we are angry, bitter, or harboring unforgiveness His Word says,

“Don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:12-13

His Word can be applied to every area of our life (raising children,managing money, marriage,business,etc.). That’s why He had His prophets and apostles write His Words down. To lead us to Christ who is the Word made flesh. Today He uses the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. He empowers us to do His will. He uses the bible to prepare and equip us to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) So if we want to know what we should do, when we need direction and wisdom we can find it in the Word of God. (James 1:5) I love what Proverbs 2:6-11 says, especially verses 9-10:

“6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. 8 He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. 11 Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”

Brothers and sisters when we know the Truth of God’s Word we find direction, hope, and freedom! If we don’t know His Word then we will be consumed by our troubles and situations, we will be destroyed because of lack of knowledge. (James 1:22, Hosea 4:6) His Word grants wisdom and it is has the answer for every situation. We just have to study this Book of Instruction continually. We need to meditate on it day and night so that we will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will we prosper and succeed in all that we do because we are seeking HIS WAY of doing and being right instead of our own way. (Joshua 1:9)

Lord we want to seek You first in every area of our life. We want to do Your will. Guide us and led us daily. Give us confirmation and affirmation through Your Word. We trust you with our daily lives. In Jesus name. Amen!