And All These Things
Matthew 6:33 — Added Unto: Praying the Promises of the Cross Day 9
Welcome to Day 9 of Praying the Promises of the Cross! Today we reflect on a promise that feels like grace layered upon grace — the beautiful truth that when we seek Him first, all these things are added unto us. If you haven’t subscribed yet, be sure to do so below so you don’t miss our daily series.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NASB)
Growing up overseas, my children didn’t have many of the extras that kids in wealthy countries often enjoy.
I remember attending a conference once while my oldest son spent the day with other children and caretakers. At dinner, we asked him what he had for lunch.
“Bread,” he said.
Then suddenly he bounced in his chair, eyes wide with excitement and voice animated:
“And butter!!!” he added.
He was thrilled. Butter had been added to his bread.
It warmed my heart — and it still makes us laugh years later.
When I read Matthew 6:33, I think about that moment.
Now Christ’s salvation is far more glorious than bread. Christ is the feast. He is the main course. It is life itself.
But here’s what Jesus is teaching:
When you seek first the kingdom — when your heart is set on Him — He does not stop at forgiveness. He does not stop at redemption. He does not stop at righteousness.
He adds.
The promise of provision for each day.
The tending to your hurts.
His presence and strength that are always with you.
He holds you in the palm of His hand with tender, loving care.
It’s the butter on the bread.
The cherry on top.
The dollop of whipped cream in your coffee.
Not the main thing — but such kindness! Grace upon grace.
Added unto
Because the stunning part is that the One who did not spare His own Son will not suddenly become stingy with lesser gifts.
If He gave you Jesus, the greatest gift imaginable, will He not also care for your daily needs?
Will He not provide strength for today?
Wisdom for decisions?
Peace and presence in trials?
“All these things” does not mean a life free from difficulty.
Jesus spoke these words in the context of worry about food, clothing, the unknowns of tomorrow. He wasn’t promising luxury but He was promising provision and presence.
And sometimes, even the hard and painful things are part of what He is “adding.”
Even the difficult chapters are folded into the greater gift of salvation.
Because the greatest thing has already been secured — reconciliation with God.
Everything else?
Added.
So seek Him first.
Because He IS the treasure.
And as you do, watch how faithfully He cares for the details of your life.
He is the feast.
And our gracious Father still delights to add butter.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is your favorite topping to your cake or cupcake? Ice cream? Frosting? Nuts? Cherry?
2. Thinking in terms of cake and toppings, what do you think is the “cake” part of God’s gifts to us? What might the “toppings” be? Use today’s verses to inform your answers.
3. What do today’s verses teach us about how to view the difficult and unpleasant parts of our lives?
P.S. If you enjoyed today’s devotional, please share it or consider buying me a coffee. 🤗