Thursday, 1^st January 2026

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: ORDERING THE YEAR UNDER GOD'S RULE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. How can the Christian kickstart the year to have an advantage throughout the remaining days?

The beginning of a year invites vision. Goals are drafted, calendars filled, ambitions clarified. Yet Jesus confronts us with a question deeper than planning: What governs your plans for the year? The Kingdom of God is not an item on your list; yet it is the framework within which all your lists for the year must sit. The divine approach remains unchanged: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and all these things [on your year list] will be added to you.”

To seek the Kingdom first is to place God’s reign above outcomes, success, and even growth. It is to ask not merely, What will I achieve this year? But who will rule my decisions? Without this ordering, even noble plans become anxious pursuits.

When God is secondary, striving multiplies. When God is first, clarity follows. Jesus does not deny provision; He promises it—but only after priority is settled.

Seeking the Kingdom also means seeking righteousness—right alignment with God’s will.

Gregory of Nyssa wrote, “The life of virtue is not shaped by ambition, but by likeness to God.” Growth that is not governed by righteousness may impress, but it will not endure.

As you project this year, resist the urge to control outcomes before submitting direction. The Kingdom is not advanced by frantic activity, but by faithful obedience. 

When God rules the heart, plans gain coherence, and effort gains peace.

Beloved, the promise of Jesus is not that all desires will be met, because His plans are higher than ours. Rather, He promises that all needs will be handled by our faithful Father. Precious one, your year rightly ordered under God may look different than imagined at the start—but it will not be wasted. It will be a glorious one.

Remain blessed.

FURTHER READING: Matthew 6

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. What currently shapes your definition of a “successful” year?

2. Where might ambition be crowding out obedience?

3. What would it practically mean to seek God’s Kingdom first this year?

PRAYER

Lord of the years,

As I step into this new season, I submit my plans to Your rule. Reorder my desires, purify my motives, and teach me to seek Your Kingdom above all else. Let righteousness guide my decisions, and peace govern my work. I entrust this year to You, confident that what You add will be sufficient and good. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Genesis 1-3; Psalm 1