Nougat 5

Hi dear

Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to shift our focus inwardly. Chew slowly before reading the reflection.

“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬ ‭NRSV‬‬

To strive is to fight vigorously with or to seek earnestly; thus striving for God’s kingdom means we’re earnestly aiming at finding all that it entails. It could also mean that we battle our internal issues to overcome and receive the reward of God’s kingdom.

There are so many distractions. So, so many. We have to overcome those too – overdue assignments, poorly managed time, food prep (and/or eating too much), family responsibilities, work pressures and adjusting to the new normal. Those are but a few things that crowd in our lives on a regular basis. And, with all the juggling, it is not surprising that we sometimes forget to put God first.

Here’s a secret though, if God is priority, we ask God to manage our time, and the stress factor gets reduced. With God as our ‘boss’, as in, the Standard to Whom we hold ourselves accountable, we find our relationship will shift as we seek to please God and not others (takes time, but definitely doable – not easily maintained tho). Moreover, if God is first, then our focus SHOULD shift, and the now pressures are less critical in the bigger scheme of things.

Yes, I do worry from time to time. Usually when I’ve shifted my focus from God. My grumbling has been reduced (as I’m more conscious about it – sometimes I even catch myself mid-grumble), and the yearning to be aligned to God’s will and purpose is greater. I’m not sinless, but I try, by God’s grace to sin less (definitely a work in progress there).

I’ve noticed that the add-on value is not necessarily a new wardrobe, more money, more material things. Rather it is a consciousness in some instances that I have more than I need; and a joyful recognition of God’s provision of the add-Obs, right in time. And, when I get too big-headed about where I reacted, something happens to give me the check in my spirit, and the striving begins anew.

Striving for God’s kingdom is a moment by moment choice, with our own selves, for that which is eternal. Yet it had present currency, especially in the midst of crises. I’m choosing today to strive; how about you?

In Christ’s love and grace . . .