Seek First the Kingdom
Worry has a way of stealing our attention.
We worry about tomorrow.
We worry about finances.
We worry about our families.
We worry about our health.
We worry about things we cannot control.
The more we worry, the easier it becomes to lose sight of the One who holds our future.
In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks directly to our anxious hearts. Instead of telling us to ignore life's challenges, He invites us to see them from a different perspective. He points us to the faithfulness of our heavenly Father and reminds us that our greatest priority isn't to chase security—it's to seek His Kingdom.
As you begin this study, ask yourself:
What has been competing for my attention more than God lately?
Read the Passage
Read Matthew 6:25–34.
Read it a second time, paying attention to what Jesus says about:
- Worry
- God's provision
- The birds of the air
- The lilies of the field
- Seeking God's Kingdom
As you read, ask yourself:
- What does Jesus tell us not to worry about?
- What reasons does He give for trusting God?
- Which verse stands out to you the most?
Pause before moving on.
Understanding the Passage
Worry Cannot Add to Your Life
Jesus begins with a simple question:
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Worry feels productive because our minds stay busy. Yet Jesus reminds us that worry changes very little. It drains our joy, steals our peace, and often distracts us from trusting God.
God isn't asking us to ignore reality.
He is inviting us to trust Him with what we cannot control.
Reflect
What worries have been occupying your thoughts recently?
Look at the Birds
Jesus points His listeners to something they saw every day.
Birds don't store away wealth.
Yet God feeds them.
If the Father faithfully cares for birds, how much more does He care for His children?
This doesn't mean we stop working or planning.
It means we stop believing everything depends on us.
Ask Yourself
Where do I need to trust God's provision instead of depending only on my own efforts?
Consider the Lilies
Jesus then points to the flowers.
They don't struggle to make themselves beautiful.
God clothes them with incredible beauty.
If God takes such care of flowers that quickly fade, we can be confident that He cares for us even more.
God knows your needs before you ever pray.
Nothing in your life catches Him by surprise.
Reflection
Have I forgotten how much God values me?
Seek First the Kingdom
Jesus gives one of the clearest priorities in all of Scripture:
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Seeking God's Kingdom means putting Him first.
Before success.
Before possessions.
Before comfort.
Before our own plans.
When Christ becomes our greatest pursuit, everything else finds its proper place.
Reflect
What competes with God for first place in my life?
One Day at a Time
Jesus ends with these words:
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."
God gives us grace for today.
Tomorrow's grace will come tomorrow.
Faith grows when we choose to trust God with today's responsibilities instead of carrying tomorrow's burdens.
Ask Yourself
What would change if I focused on trusting God today instead of fearing tomorrow?
Living It Out
Jesus never promised a life without challenges.
He promised the presence and care of a faithful Father.
Seeking God's Kingdom doesn't remove every problem.
It changes how we face them.
Instead of being driven by fear, we learn to walk in faith.
Instead of being consumed by worry, we remember that our heavenly Father knows exactly what we need.
Today, choose to bring your concerns to God rather than carrying them alone.
Reflect
Spend a few quiet moments with God.
1. What worries have been consuming my thoughts lately?
2. What does this passage teach me about God's character?
3. What is one area where I need to trust God more fully?
4. How can I intentionally seek God's Kingdom first this week?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for knowing every need in my life before I even ask.
Forgive me for the times I allow worry to become greater than my trust in You.
Help me to seek Your Kingdom above everything else.
Teach me to trust that You are faithful, that You care for me, and that You will provide exactly what I need according to Your perfect will.
When anxious thoughts come, remind me to turn to You in prayer instead of fear.
Help me to live one day at a time, confident that You are with me every step of the way.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Weekly Challenge
For the next seven days:
Whenever you begin to worry...
Pause.
Pray.
Then read Matthew 6:33 aloud.
Ask yourself:
"Am I seeking God's Kingdom first in this situation?"
Write down one way you saw God's faithfulness each day.
Memory Verse
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
Work on memorizing this verse throughout the week and let it remind you where your true security is found.
Dig Deeper
Read these passages during the week:
- Philippians 4:6–7 — Replacing anxiety with prayer.
- Psalm 37:3–7 — Trusting in the Lord.
- 1 Peter 5:6–7 — Casting your anxieties on Him.
- Isaiah 26:3–4 — Perfect peace for those who trust God.
As you read, ask:
What do these passages teach me about trusting God in everyday life?
Continue Growing
Related Bible Studies
- What Are You Building Your Life On? — Matthew 7:24–27
- The Lord Is My Shepherd — Psalm 23
- Abide in Me — John 15:1–17
Live Your Faith Beyond Sunday
Worry pulls our hearts toward uncertainty.
Jesus calls our hearts toward the Kingdom.
The peace you're looking for isn't found in knowing what tomorrow holds—it's found in knowing the One who holds tomorrow.
As you seek Him first, trust that your heavenly Father is already at work, faithfully caring for you every step of the way.