First responses

Sometimes something so simple clicks in a way it never has before.

The Lord convicted me recently and I always want to share the revelations that come around those in case someone else may also benefit.

There’s a passage in Matthew 6 where Jesus teaches around not being anxious. Outlining the Lord provides for the birds and beasts but loves us more than that and will provide for us too, states we add nothing to our lives with worry. And one specific scripture comes to mind in that passage:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A few weeks ago, I was getting ready for church and I was praying through my list of things. I had several thought processes working in my mind as I was going about my morning.

That verse in Matthew popped into my spirit along with this one:

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I recalled something I’ve shared with others multiple times around how we pray about something first because it aligns our heart to the heart of the Father. It ensures we’re seeking his solution and not our own.

Immediately, I began to think “huh…how odd that would pop into my spirit when I was just praying about these things, I’m already doing that.”

And just like that…*click*

I was praying about solutions, I was requesting my steps to be guided, I was requesting doors to be opened and shut.

I wasn’t seeking HIM.

I was seeking provision and ordered steps.

Please don’t misunderstand me, we need ordered steps, we need provision, above all of that…we NEED the Lord.

When that Holy Spirit unraveled for me in that moment was this:

I shouldn’t focus my prayer solely on:

• My job
• My relationships
• The situation I’m facing

My prayer should first be focused on seeking his heart. On seeking his Kingdom.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t hear about those other pieces, or that I don’t still request his provision and direction.

It means that when my focus is on the order and next steps I’m seeking, I’m missing HIM in those moments.

“Seek ye first the Kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you”

The Lord has stilled me in so many places over the past two years. Places he’s grown me and ensured my heart hasn’t grown bitter or hardened toward others. Places he’s shown me what it is to walk in his grace.

Have I gotten that right every time? Nope.

Just last week some close friends of mine were with me as I processed my emotional responses out loud and was angry. (If you’re one of those friends who sat with me in my big emotions this week, THANK YOU and I love you! I know each of you know my heart and have been holding me in prayer).

There was nothing wrong with me approaching the throne with the things I knew I needed the Lord to guide me in, but I’m grateful he wants so much more for me in those moments than just bringing my petition to him, and he will remind me gently of that.

In the grand scheme of things, the pieces I’m facing don’t compare to the kingdom assignment of eternity. That doesn’t mean they don’t matter, or that he doesn’t care for those aspects (or isn’t intervening).

It simply means, I can’t become so wrapped up in my own day to day that I lose sight of the big picture.

I must seek the Kingdom first and trust he has a plan for everything else. Knowing his plans are not only good, but for MY good. Acknowledge that he’s bringing those plans to fruition.

I must also get OUT of the way and align myself in obedience in my own responses and actions.

❤️