“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” ( Mathew 6:33).

After he got on to the throne of Israel the Lord asked King Solomon what he wanted. “That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” ( I Chronicles 7- 10).

Of course any average person might have put it before God how he wanted to be blessed with wealth. Maybe another might have asked that all his enemies are exterminated. Not so for Solomon. He put God before everything and asked for His wisdom. “God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have” ( vv 11-12).

• Just as with Solomon, when we seek the Lord first, he opens doors for us by blessing us with knowledge that can help us enhance our wealth. For instance, the Lord may create for us opportunities as we see he did for Abraham. “The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever” ( Genesis 13:14-15).

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” When we seek the Lord first, we reap multiple blessings, that enable us live and enjoy wealth in peace and comfort. May this be our hearts desire as we start the year.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that I seek you first, in all my affairs, your wisdom and hand of protection throughout the year, all to your glory, this I pray in Jesus’ name.