A vital lesson for anyone who never wants to be stressed or worried again

Our jobs, paying bills, and meeting personal needs and the needs of those we have responsibility for occupies much of our time in life. Such obligations are very important and it is essential we are faithful and good stewards. But it can be easy to worry and for our thoughts be consumed by it all. However, Jesus exhorts us not to worry but to “… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33. This gives us a wonderful opportunity to free our mind from these earthly cares and focus on eternal treasures, right in the midst of performing valuable tasks such as raising a family, being a reliable employee, and living upright in society.

Seek first the kingdom of God

What does His kingdom and righteousness consist of? And how do I seek it?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8. God’s will – His kingdom – is to be righteous (just), merciful and humble. Our human inclination is to live for ourselves and think about what pleases ourselves. Being just and merciful requires us to deny our human will in order to do to others as we would have them do to us. It means that we give up our own selfishness and put the others first. To seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness means actively choosing to do His will rather than our own.

When we have this desire to seek first the kingdom of God and for righteousness, we become aware of our inability to live unselfishly. We will soon find we need the grace (help) God gives to those who walk humbly before Him. (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5.)

Getting the kingdom within us

When we turn our thoughts in this way then “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9. Through the Holy Spirit, God shows Himself strong on our behalf by not only revealing our own egotism and unrighteousness to us, but also by giving us the power to deny them and instead be just and merciful.

When  our vision is more and more fixed on the kingdom of God, we get this kingdom within us through obedience to God’s will. (Luke 17:21.) In this way, we get to know Him personally, and are more and more set free from the unrest and anxiety that comes with seeking my own will on earth. Then we discover personally the truth of Paul’s words to the Romans, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:17. We also find that He  shows Himself strong to meet our earthly needs. We are comforted over and over as we watch God open doors to give us what we need.

When, instead of worrying, we consciously seek first the kingdom of God by seeking to obey His word, we find that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. Life becomes a quest of storing up eternal treasures while our earthly requirements are added to us!