WHAT does it mean to seek God first?

• The Hebrew word “baqash” is used 225 times in the OT and means seek, or search (for), or search out. By implication, it means to strive after. It can also mean ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for).
• “Darash” is used 160 times in the OT meaning inquire or seek, also to tread or frequent, to follow (for pursuit or search). By implication, to seek or ask. To worship.
• The Greek word “zeteo” is used about 120 times in the NT meaning seek or search for in the great majority of these places, as in Matthew 6:33. It means specifically (by Hebraism) to worship (God). It can also mean be (go) about, desire, endeavor, enquire (for), require.
• To actively, diligently pursue getting to know God and having an intimate relationship with Him, and pursuing this more than anything else in our lives. There is nothing passive whatsoever about seeking.
• It is to pattern your life around the searching for/getting to know God, as opposed to just fitting it in whenever, and letting all other pursuits fall to second place and lower.

WHY do wee seek God first?

• God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). [The verb translated seek in this verse is “ekzeteo” and is translated seek after. It can also mean search out, i.e. figuratively investigate, crave, demand, by Hebrew worship. Also, enquire, require, seek after (carefully, diligently).
• Peace–we were designed by God for connection with Him. Seeking God fosters peace.
• Joy–This comes from Immanuel (God with us). Joy comes from being with someone who is glad to be with you. God is always glad to be with us. We are wired for joy from birth, but our joy gets lost or stolen over time. Seeking God returns our joy, rewiring our brain,  as we spend time with the One who is ultimately glad to be with us. (John 15:1-11)
• If you draw near to God, He will draw near to you (James 4:8).
• To better know and apply Truth. “Truth is a gift God instilled into creation, so that we can properly engage reality.” -Willard & Black

How do we seek God first?

• By getting to know Him as He has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15), Scripture, and creation.
• Thru spending time with God in two-way conversational prayer in which we listen as much or even more than we speak.
• Spending time with God via the study and meditation upon His Holy Scriptures. (Psalm 1:2, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119)
• In meeting regularly with others who are also seeking God first in order to share stories of  the ways God is active in our lives now, proclaim His greatness and promises, and seek God together. (Hebrews 3:13, 10:25)