12/09/2024
Jean Morrison
In a world that constantly pulls us in a million directions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between the weight of the future, the stresses of the present, and the pressures from all sides, we can quickly lose sight of what truly matters. But as believers, we’re called to a different way of living—a way that’s rooted in fully trusting God.
Jesus understood our dilemma — navigating through the push and pull of life. He came to show us how to live in unbothered praise by shifting our attention from our problems to our Savior. Matthew 6:33-34 provides the guidance we need to overcome the worries and challenges that plague us. Jesus reminds us that while we will face challenges, we don’t have to allow circumstances and worries to overwhelm us. He says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
This passage reminds us that when we focus on God’s purposes and seek to be in right standing with Him, we shift our attention away from our circumstances and onto His Kingdom.
Here are four praise points to help you trust in God and focus on Kingdom-minded living rather than on life’s problems:
PRAISE POINT #1: The seeker’s FIRST priority is God’s Kingdom and righteousness.
When life gets loud and hectic, it’s easy to get distracted. But seeking God first should be our daily priority. The peace we desire begins when we start each day by seeking and speaking to God — this is the most important conversation we’ll have all day. And remember, it’s not about fitting God in between our tasks or giving Him our leftover attention. King David made it a point to seek God early and wait to hear His voice, and we should do the same. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.”
PRAISE POINT #2: To seek the Kingdom of God without His aid is a trivial pursuit.
Seeking God’s Kingdom requires His help. We cannot do it on our own. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to guide us, teaching us all things and reminding us of God’s Word. John 14:26 says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
Without the Holy Spirit’s help, seeking God's Kingdom is an impossible task — we have no reference point or markers to stay on a righteous path and avoid walking aimlessly through life. When we walk through life with God’s assistance, we see His plan and path clearly, free from the distractions that could cloud our perspective.
PRAISE POINT #3: A promise is only as strong as the One who made it.
When God promises something, He keeps His word. Matthew 6:33 says, “All these things will be given to you as well.” The strength of this promise doesn’t lie in us but in the One who made it. We can depend on God’s promises because He cannot lie. He is trustworthy and never changes. God’s promise stands sure, no matter what circumstances come our way. What God says He will do, He will deliver. — period. So, here’s a question. How much do you trust Him?
PRAISE POINT #4: It is possible and practical to live a worry-free life.
Jesus told us not to worry about tomorrow because each day brings its own set of challenges. Matthew 6:34 says, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t prepare and plan for the future, but rather, we’re invited to trust God to handle the things that are beyond our control. Honestly, it’s not easy to do, but when we rest in the One who holds our future, we can trust that God will take care of what we can’t, allowing us to walk through life in unbothered praise.
Unbothered Praise Takeaways:
1. God has proven Himself as trustworthy beyond any other person in your life.
2. God desires to be your first priority in all of life’s activities and pursuits.
3. It is impossible to see all of the Kingdom of God without the God of the Kingdom.
The bottom line? If you seek God and His Kingdom first, He will take care of your needs. In other words, Prioritize God’s business, and He’ll prioritize yours. Now that’s something to shout about, saints!
