Matthew 6:33 ~ “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
First things First! Imagine you’re on a flight, and the safety briefing begins. The flight attendant explains that in the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will drop from above. They emphasize a crucial rule: “Put your own mask on first before assisting anyone else.” At first, this might seem selfish, especially if you’re traveling with children or loved ones. But the logic is simple, if you don’t secure your oxygen, you’ll quickly become unable to help anyone at all. This principle is a powerful metaphor for life, before you can effectively serve or support others, you must first take care of your own well-being. For Christians, this means prioritizing time with God through prayer, ensuring you’re spiritually strong and ready to pour into others.
Matthew 6:33, is the perfect alignment for this, you must first be aligned with God in prayer first, before you can engage someone else! In this scripture, Jesus teaches that your primary focus should always be on God, seeking His kingdom (His Will, Ways and Purpose) and His righteousness (a right relationship with Him). When you make God your first priority through prayer and obedience, He promises to provide everything that you need.
Just as a passenger must secure their oxygen mask before helping others, this verse serves as a reminder that you cannot effectively face life’s challenges or serve others until you have sought God first. Prayer allows you to realign your heart with His Will, and filling you with the peace, wisdom, and provision He promises. By prioritizing time with Him daily, you trust that God will equip you to handle life’s demands and care for those around you. Seeking His kingdom through prayer is the foundation for living a life of overflow, blessing, and purpose.
“In case of emergency, put on your oxygen mask first. Then help those around you.” This is a vital reminder that you can’t help those around you if you are not receiving what you need to breathe and function. Similarly, in your spiritual walk, prayer is your “Oxygen Mask”, it connects you to God’s life-giving power and equips you to serve others. Jesus modeled the importance of prayer throughout His ministry as the Son of God, He frequently withdrew to pray and refresh His spirit. In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” If Jesus needed this time with the Father, how much more do you need it?
When life becomes overwhelming, you may feel tempted to pour all your energy into helping others or solving their problems. Yet, it’s easy to let busyness, fear, or guilt prevent you from prioritizing prayer. But if you neglect your time in prayer, you will be left empty and depleted. Philippians 4:6-7 tells you of the power of prayer, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
When you take the proper time to “put on your oxygen mask” through prayer, God will fill you with what you need to help others. Today, prioritize your prayer time. Don’t rush past it or treat it as an afterthought. Let it become the foundation of your day, ensuring that you’re spiritually “breathing” in the life that God gave you. When you’re connected to Him, you’ll be better able to help and encourage others. Think of your prayer life as refilling your spiritual tank and you can’t run on fumes, you need gas to keep going!
Through prayer, God will pour His wisdom, into your life. And Prayer isn’t about perfect words or a fixed schedule, but it’s about coming to God as you are, no matter the time or place. When you cultivate a consistent prayer life, you’ll find yourself strengthened, renewed, and ready to bless those around you. When your spiritual Oxygen Mask is on, something miraculous happens, God uses your life to overflow into others. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13!
I know that the world is full of people gasping for hope, direction, and love. But you can’t offer them what you haven’t first received. Just as passengers can only assist their neighbor after their oxygen mask is secured, you must first let God fill you before you can pour into others. Don’t feel guilty for taking time to prioritize your spiritual health it’s essential for bearing fruit in every area of your life. You need to practice and know what to do first before you can lead someone else to do it! Practice being in His Presence through Prayer. Here are steps to putting your Oxygen Mask on through Prayer:
- Set a Daily Time – Whether in the morning, during lunch, or at night, choose a specific time to connect with God through prayer. Consistency builds strength.
- Pray with Honesty – God doesn’t need fancy words. Speak openly about your worries, joys, and struggles, and trust Him to meet you where you are.
- Listen in Stillness – Prayer isn’t just about talking—it’s also about listening. Pause to allow the Holy Spirit to whisper direction, comfort, and wisdom into your heart.
- Pray Through Scripture – Use verses like Philippians 4:6-7 or Psalm 46:10 (“Be still, and know that I am God”) as a guide for your prayers, letting God’s Word shape your time with Him.
- Pray for Others – As you refill your spiritual tank, lift others up to God. Ask Him to meet their needs and use you as a vessel for encouragement and support.
Reflect on how your life might change if you prioritized prayer and make it a priority and a part of your daily life. Consider whether you’ve been trying to help others while feeling spiritually depleted, because you neglected your own time with God. Are you rushing through tasks and responsibilities, or are you pausing to seek His guidance and renewal first? Prayer isn’t just about meeting your needs, it’s the foundation that allows you to be a blessing to those around you. Think about how consistent time in prayer could provide you with everything that you need to navigate through your daily life challenges and how what you do in prayer or what you didn’t do overflow into the lives of others. Let what flows out of you come from the overflow of your time with God in prayer! Seek Him first and watch what happens to you next!
Let’s Pray:
Thank You Father, Thank You for being my source of strength, wisdom, and peace. Your Word says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). You also remind me in Psalm 46:10 to, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Father, in the busyness and demands of life, teach me to pause and come to You first, trusting that You will provide for every need and guide my steps according to Your perfect Will. Father, remind me to come to You first in prayer, just as I would put on an oxygen mask before helping others. Father, help me to make prayer my top priority and my foundation. Like Jesus, who often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), may I seek those moments of stillness with You so that I can be refreshed and renewed. Remind me, Father, that apart from You, I can do nothing (John 15:5), but when I remain connected to You, I can bear much fruit. Father, help me to not be anxious for anything, but to wait and trust You, and to bring every prayer and petition to You with thanksgiving in my heart, Philippians 4:6-7. Father You said, in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” So, I’m calling You for no one else can do me like You. Father, may Your peace that transcends all understanding guard my heart and your mind in You. Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen my faith so I can trust in Your timing and provision as I prioritize You, help me to live out Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Father May I become a light to those around me. May my time with You overflow into acts of love, encouragement, and service to others. Give me eyes to see the needs of those around me and a heart ready to respond. Thank You, Father, for being my constant source of life, guidance, and strength. Teach me each day to put first things first, seeking You in prayer before anything else. May my life bring You glory in all I do. In the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
Blessings…
Love, Minister Jean