The Foundation of True Pursuit
Today’s busy world is filled with endless distractions and demands. It is easy for God to slip into second place. We rely on our own intelligence, modern culture (so called pop culture), human wisdom, and worldly solutions more than the spirit. Yet the true source of strength, hope, and victory comes when we put God first in all things.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
John Wesley, the revivalist and founder of the Methodist Church, lived a life that reflected a believer who had made God number one. His days were planned with Christ at the centre stage. This commitment birthed an awakening that transformed nations, stirred reforms, and led multitudes to salvation. He is a member of a unique class; the cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1).
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Jesus challenges us to make His kingdom and righteousness our first pursuit, not a second choice. Are you truly seeking God first? Or are you one of the many who have given Him a backseat and steer the affairs of your life alone? I made God second option, planned my life to detail and nothing worked as planned! God had better plans and through my frustrations, I found His. Walking in that perfect plan, though difficult, has given me inner peace.
The seeking principle
Seeking God first is not a cliché. It means to pursue God in our daily life, making decisions based on His word and not our feelings and prioritizing time in His presence. It is a position we must take in life today. It is not about neglecting personal ambitions. It is an alignment of one’s passion under God’s purpose, trusting Him to satisfy every need at the right time. The two Hebrew words Darash, and Baqash defines what seeking is. Darash means “to seek with great care”. It requires a sustained deep effort in searching. Baqash means “seeking to find and taking hold of something”. It involves searching with blood and sweat, thus, with passionate pursuit., continuous, intentional and wholehearted. This is how God wants us to seek Him out.
There are five marks of a man who has made God priority.
- He delights himself in the Lord
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
A man who delights in the Lord loves God and always seeks to be in His presence. Such a man wants to be where God is. Renowned worshipper, Don Moen, expressed it this way:
I wanna be where you are, Dwelling in your presence
Feasting at your table, Surrounded by your glory
In your presence, That’s where I always want to be
I just want to be, I just want to be with you
This is not just lyrics, but comes from a deep, personal conviction for more of God each day. This is the heart’s cry of the man desiring and delighting in God.
2. He delights in God’s word
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:2 (ESV)
He engraves it on the tablets of his heart, draws inspiration from the word, feeds on the word like a starved man would do in the presence of food, keeps the word on his mind throughout the day, and practices what the word teaches.
3. He seeks to get closer to God every day.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
James 4:8 (KJV)
The evidence of a growing relationship is that both parties involved take a closer step towards each other every day. If God is your priority in your life, your desire will be to get closer to Him every passing day. There is consistent progress in the union with God. It is wonderful to also know that God returns the favour. He draws nigh to those who draw nigh to Him to the point where you and God become knitted with another. That is my desire!
Make the pursuit of God a daily priority, not occasionally nor when it is convenient.
4. He runs after God wholeheartedly.
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”
Psalm 27:4
Nothing moves me more lately than this. I see my devotion deepen and my desire increase each day. Seeking, thus, running after God, dwelling in His house (always in His presence) all my days, beholding His beauty (as expressed in His word) and enquiring of His temple.
Today, people negotiate their time with God. No one can love God this much and contemplate whether to be in His temple or not.
5. He sets his heart on things above.
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV)
The one who is “seeking God first” sets his heart on heavenly things. He does not entangle himself with the corruptions of the flesh. His mind also is set on Christ, not on mundane things that fade away. When you were baptised, you died with Christ and resurrected with Him. You have therefore been raised with Christ. Set your heart on Him. Do not profess with your mouth and live contrary to the confessions of your faith. Such a man cannot please God.
All other things
There is a realm in God I can call the “all other things” realm. Here nothing is unachievable. Nothing is unattainable, and nothing is impossible to receive. King Solomon walked in this realm (1 Kings 3:11-12). He asked for wisdom, and God gave him “all other things”. King David walked in this realm.
One day the disciples asked Jesus:
“We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
Matthew 19:27 (NIV)
After we have sought you and chased after you, what is in this for us?
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
Matthew 19:29 (NIV)
Seeking first is an investment! There is a hundredfold reward, my friends. Everything you gave up following Jesus will be repaid. Further, eternal life shall be laid as an inheritance for such a person. You will sit at the right hand of the Son in heaven and have full access to God’s kingdom in the age to come. Everything that pertains to life and godliness shall be yours if you make God your priority in your life. When you prove your heart to God, He returns the favour!
The secret to unshakable peace, provision, and purpose is uncomplicated: Seek Him first. As you do, you unlock the abundant life God intends, and your impact will be unforgotten. Seeking God should not be casual seeking or convenient devotion; it must be at a price if it so demands! The pursuit must be wholehearted; the vessel must be pure.
Pray with me: Heavenly Father, teach me to make You number one in my life always. To love you, serve you and live for you in righteousness. In Jesus name. Amen.
Your next steps
- Challenge yourself to spend your first 30 minutes when you wake up with God before the distractions of your phone, emails and social media sets in.
- Invite God into every decision you make from today. Not one should pass without a silent prayer.
- At the end of the day, reflect how far your seeking project has deepened.
