Joy Challenge Video Devotional - Day 24: Pastor Kerry Shook
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“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gave us the secret to sustaining joy and living a blessed or “happy” life. This secret trumps worry and offers us a confident hope no matter what our situation or circumstance. What is it? In Matthew 6:33 (NKJV), Jesus said, “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness….” Don’t miss the benefits for those that do because He adds, “… and ALL these things shall be added to you.” What did He mean by all these things? Here are a few mentioned in this chapter: Money in verses 19-24; Food and Clothing in verse 25; Savings in verse 26; Personal Value in verses 26-30; All Material Needs in verses 31-32. Every one of these material things can become killjoys if we let them. How much of our time is consumed with working and worrying over them?
Rather than stressing over material things, Jesus promises His followers that IF we would put God first and His righteousness (doing what we know is right) that ALL THESE THINGS shall be added as we need them. We can rest in His ability to provide all we need when we need it.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve found it so easy in my life to say I’m putting God first, but what does that really mean? How do we put God first in our lives so we can experience sustaining joy? Let’s take what Jesus said and apply it in four very practical ways that demonstrate we are effectively seeking first the kingdom of God. We’ll cover two of them today and the other two tomorrow.
First, if I am truly putting God first in my life, I will give Him the first part of my day in personal worship through meditating on His Word (reading the Bible contemplatively) and talking with God about whatever concerns me, as well as what I’m discovering as I read His Word. If you want to experience sustaining joy set aside some time each morning as you begin your day to be alone with God. Start with 5 or 10 minutes and let it grow naturally. It may feel strange at first if you’re just beginning but that’s ok. Sometimes, I will put an empty chair by where I’m sitting and invite the Lord to join me as I seek His presence. Underline or highlight whatever verse or verses seem to speak to your heart as you read the Bible. Pray them back to God with thanksgiving. Sometimes He will use His Word to warn me, guide me, correct me, teach me, or encourage me to pray in alignment with His will for my life as well as intercede for others. You might try reading through Psalms or Proverbs or take a New Testament book like one of the four Gospels and read a chapter or two a day. Find a quiet place and remove any distractions like your cell phone or TV. Learn to listen as you pray and talk to God. Thank Him for all He has done and is doing in your life and praise Him for who He is.
If you’re reading this, you’ve already started! Great job! When you finish, tell God what’s on your heart and worship Him. You’re giving Him the first part of your day to establish the rest of your day in alignment with His will for your life.
Second, give God the first part of your week in corporate worship at church. God created you and me for community! Our faith is more than just believing, it’s about belonging as well. As Christ followers, we belong to Him and one another. The Bible says, “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5 (NLT) I love that, don’t you? Belonging connects us with one another! We’re better together! We are part of a family – the family of God! That’s why the writer of Hebrews tells us, “In response to all He has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (TLB) Are you part of a church family? Do you give God the first part of your week in worship with other Christ followers? If you don’t have a church home, let me invite you to ours at Woodlands Church. Join us at one of our campuses or online at live.WC.org.
If we are to really put God first in our lives, we will give Him the first part of every day in personal worship and the first part of every week in corporate worship at church. We’ll discover the other two ways we practically put God first in our lives tomorrow. These are the secrets to sustaining joy! Start practicing these two today!
Printed copies of The Joy Challenge devotional are available at The Joy Challenge - Kerry Shook Ministries.