Priorities

Life is busy and it is easy to get wrapped up in it. We live in a world that constantly demands our time, energy, and attention, often leaving us feeling drained and spiritually disconnected. Yet, as believers, we are called to live differently. We are called to prioritize God above all else. But what does that truly mean, and how can we consistently keep Him first in our lives?

What does it mean to keep God first?

Keeping God first is a daily commitment to aligning our lives with His will and purpose. Matthew 6:33 reminds us, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This scripture emphasizes that when we prioritize God, everything else falls into place according to His perfect plan. Keeping Him first means:

• Making Him the foundation of all decisions and actions.

• Ensuring that our life and everything in it reflects His priority in our lives.

• Cultivating an intimate relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and study of His Word.

How can I practically keep God first?

1.     Make Him the start of your day. 

How we start the day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of reaching for your phone when you first wake up, take time to spend with God. Dedicate your mornings to God, so that the tone for your day does not have the ability to be negative unless you allow it to be.

2.     Be Intentional About Prayer and Worship

Communication is key in any relationship, including our relationship with God. A consistent prayer life keeps us connected to Him, allowing us to align our hearts with His will. 1 Thessalonians tells us to pray without ceasing. When we make prayer a priority, it makes space for God to show up big. Worship, however way you choose to do so, should be a lifestyle. One thing about worship is that it deepens our reverence and love for Him.

3.     Surrender Your Plans and Trust His Will

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. We often make decisions without God. Decisions made without God are made from personal desires or other factors that can cause us to move outside of the desires of God. Keeping Him first means surrendering our plans and allowing Him to lead.

4.     Use Your Time Wisely

Our schedules often reveal what we truly prioritize. We make time for what we want. If we’re too busy for God or the things of God are the first to go, it’s a sign that something needs to change, and we need to reprioritize. Setting aside intentional time for Bible study, fellowship, and quiet reflection with the Lord ensures that He remains at the center of our lives.

5.     Stay Rooted in the Word

The Bible is our blueprint for life. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Regularly immersing ourselves in scripture strengthens our faith, equips us to navigate challenges, and keeps us anchored in truth. Staying in the Word makes room for the Father to speak to us. It helps us to increase our desire for Him to the point that the things of Him are not the first to go.

6.     Protect Your Heart and Mind

The world and life constantly competes for our attention. We must be intentional about what we allow into our minds and spirits. Philippians 4:8 instructs us to focus on things that are true, noble, pure, and praiseworthy. Limiting distractions, negative influences, and worldly temptations helps us stay aligned with God’s will. It is our responsibility to protect ourselves from the things of this world that come to draw us away from God.

What are the benefits of keeping God First?

When we truly prioritize God, we experience peace, clarity, divine provision, and whatever else God may be trying to do for us and/or give us. Life will still have its trials, but with Him at the center, we can have confidence that He is with us through them. Keeping God first isn’t just about avoiding distractions, but it is a pursuit of Him with all our heart. As we consistently seek Him, our lives begin to reflect His glory, and we become living testimonies of His faithfulness.

If you’ve struggled with prioritizing God, don’t beat yourself up. His grace is sufficient, and He meets us where we are. You have a chance to realign your heart with His. Start small, be consistent, and watch how He transforms your life when you put Him first. Soon you will go from spending 5 minutes a day to spending hours with Him and you’ll be unbothered by doing so. Commit to making God the number one priority. Don’t just say it but put some action behind it. When we build our lives upon Him, we will never be shaken.

I want to leave you with a few questions to ponder….

• What does your daily schedule look like? Is God part of you daily schedule? If not, why?

• What can be shifted or taken out of your schedule to allow more time with God or to put Him in your schedule?

• Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to prioritize Him? If so, what is something you can sacrifice? If not, why are you not willing?

These questions are not intended to condemn, make you feel guilty or shame you but to help you see where you can take practical steps to prioritize. They are intended to make you self-evaluate. Be real and honest with yourself.  I hope these questions allow you to see where you are able to prioritize God and you take the steps to do so. Put God back where He should be in your life!