Have you ever allowed the pace of life and the promises of the world to lead you from the passion of God?

Throughout life, I’ve pursued many things, most of which are attached to the promise of some reward. Stocks to secure my future, a house for steady shelter, and relationships to ease my emotions. Chasing hopes from losing weight to looking great, I’ve treasured things of this world more than I sought His kingdom. But what happens when circumstances change, and promises are broken? (Be sure to answer these 15 life assessment questions to determine your spiritual health.)

In a volatile world where spouses walkout, stock markets crumble, houses burn down, and friends betray, God’s Word is the only stable foundation that does not shift with time or circumstance. He does not crack under pressure, and His promises are ever true (Psalm 89:34). No matter how many promises God has made, they are “YES” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

When you and I take the stand to seek God first – His kingdom and His righteousness – a divine exchange takes place (Matthew 6:33). He replaces the heaviness of a worldly yoke ladened with striving and surviving. In committing to a pursuit of God, He promises we will find:

The greatest treasure of seeking the Lord is the promise that we find Him, and, in finding Him, we find rest for our weary souls. He is the source of rest because His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

The same God who created life is trustworthy with your life. He came so that you might live abundantly. Seeking God ignites the eternity He placed in every heart and sets our mind on eternal things. While the world says, seek fulfillment to find life, God’s word says in seeking Him, you will fulfill your life.

His strength is limitless. When our knees become weak from pressure and our hands tremble with fear, He strengthens and steadies our way. It’s in those lowest moments where His strength shines the brightest. Here we mount wings of eagles to soar above the earthly circumstances, to run and not grow weary (Isaiah 40:31).

Joy is found in giving the Master the keys to your heart. Sitting in the presence of Him, who is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. He revives our souls, gives light to our eyes, and overflowing joy to our hearts. With everlasting joy to crown your head, gladness will overtake you, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 35:10).

God has never forsaken those who diligently seek Him. Those who trust in Him will never be abandoned (Psalm 9:10). He is a fortified tower of safety for all who run to Him (Proverbs 18:10).

As we commit to seeking God first, His wisdom and understanding pour over us with true freedom to follow His plan and purpose for our lives. And the foolishness of God is wiser than all human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). From His throne flows the discernment to live every day to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16).

Time in God’s presence renews endurance to run the race ahead, a longing to see His kingdom come, and an expectancy to see Him move here on earth. Because He cares for you, you can cast all your apprehension on Him and receive a restored hope for the future.

If you lack hope in an area of life, be sure to come back and read the Walking In Hope Series: When Life Seems Dry And Brittle, Sifting Through Doubt, Drawing Hope From The Only Source, and Relying On God’s Faithfulness)

Any sacrifice you make in seeking God is rewarded by the One who owns it all (Psalm 24:1). Though it may look different than you expect, Jesus promises no one who leaves earthly things in pursuit of Him will fail to receive as much in the present age and the age to come (Mark 10:28-30).

Through Christ, we are declared righteous; however, living a virtuous life – daily – does not come easy. By seeking God, we can walk in the Spirit and not gratify the flesh’s desires (Galatians 5:16). We become like those with whom we spend time. Because apart from Him, we cannot produce a righteous life (John 15:5).

In a world full of options and the desire for more, it’s easy to become discontent with our lives. The steadfast pursuit of seeking God first is the only source of true satisfaction. He satisfies the hungry, longing soul with good things (Psalm 107:9) and promises that all who come to Him will not hunger or thirst (John 6:35).

In Matthew 13:44, Jesus tells a parable about a field with a hidden treasure. Filled with joy, the man who stumbled upon it sold everything he had to buy the field. His Kingdom is the treasure worth shoving everything aside to pursue. Let’s chase Him like the treasure He is, knowing our hearts will follow (Matthew 6:21) and watch these promises come to life.

Join me next week as we discuss forms of opposition you might experience as a result of seeking God first AND the benefits of pushing through.

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