What are you seeking in this New Year? What are your highest priorities? So many people make their lists and fill their days trying to make things happen. Or, they seek after something newer, bigger or better.

Of course, I’m all for having goals, dreams and pursuing what God has placed in your heart. But what I’ve seen over and over in my own life is that when I’m doing my best to please God and obey His Word, I find that, out of the blue, a good break or unexpected favor comes. I don’t have to manipulate things. I don’t have to struggle to make it happen. I obey God; I put Him first place in my life, and I receive the reward of diligently seeking Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Notice the key in this verse: seek first the Kingdom. In other words, don’t seek the blessing, seek the One who blesses. Don’t be consumed by things. Don’t chase after money, fame, fortune or a bigger “this or that.” Instead, chase after God! If you will seek Him first, then all of His blessings will be added unto you. Not a few things. Not a half a dozen things. God is a God of abundance, and He says “ALL things.” In other words, when you keep Him first place, you won’t be able to contain all the good things that He will bring across your path! He’ll fill you to overflowing. He’ll give you things that money can’t buy. You can work 24/7, but you can’t buy health. You can’t buy strength. You can’t buy a good night’s rest. Seek first the Kingdom, and God will reward you!

That word “seek” is a strong word. One definition says “to require as a vital necessity.” That means we should consider spending time with God as vital to living a victorious life. That means no matter how we feel when we wake up, no matter how tired we are on Sunday morning, we are going to get up and honor God as if our lives depend on it!

Today, make sure things in life are in the right order—seek first God’s Kingdom. Seek His way of doing things. Honor Him at the start of your day and make it a part of your routine. As you do, you’ll see His reward on your life, and you’ll see all of His blessings added unto you!