2 Maccabees 15:18. "Their concern for wives and children, and also for brethren and relatives, lay upon them less heavily, their greatest and first fear was for the consecrated sanctuary." These are the fighting men following Judas Maccabeus who were so inspired by his words and vision that they were ready to fight against Nicanor's army, against whom it didn't seem they had a chance.

This one sentence perfectly encapsulates our proper priorities. The men, of course, have great concern for their wives and children, as well as for their brethren and relatives, but their primary concern is to defend the consecrated sanctuary. In other words, they have been inspired to think of God first, since all power and protection of everything we love comes from Him. Just as Jesus told us to seek first the Kingdom of God and all else will be given to us (Matthew 6:33), Judas' men are concerned first with defending the dwelling place of God, trusting that all else will be protected if they prioritize that.

It is often so difficult for us to remain in this proper relationship with God, especially when those we love are being threatened. I have found, though, that it absolutely works. When I put my fears and anxiety entirely into God's hands, and follow and trust Him unreservedly, things work out. Not always the way I thought they would, or the way I expected, but if not, when I look back, it is always in a better way than I could have even imagined.