Putting God first is the foundation of living a purposeful and joyful life because it aligns your priorities with His divine will, allowing you to experience His peace, guidance, and blessings. When God is at the center of your life, everything else falls into its proper place.
God is the source of life and purpose, and you were created with a specific plan and purpose in mind. Aligning with His will ensures you’re living according to your divine design. This gives your life direction and focus and in turn brings you inner joy and peace as you go about your day.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
How to Put God First
1. Start Your Day with God
- Spend time in prayer and Scripture first thing in the morning. This sets the tone for your day and reminds you to prioritize God’s will. A great way to start your day with God is to join us for Readings From The Road at 7:30 am each and every morning.
- “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:3).
2. Prioritize Prayer and Worship
- Make prayer and worship regular habits, not just occasional activities. They keep your focus on God and help you seek His guidance. This is why we dedicate time each morning to Readings From The Road. It makes a huge difference in how I feel after doing the readings and being a part of the group.
- “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).
3. Live by God’s Word
- Study the Bible and apply its teachings to your daily life. It serves as a guide for your actions, decisions, and relationships.
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
4. Align Your Priorities with God’s Will
- Regularly evaluate your time, energy, and resources. Are you using them in ways that honor God? Prioritize activities and commitments that align with His purpose for your life.
- “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
5. Trust God in All Areas of Your Life
- Surrender your plans, worries, and desires to God, trusting Him to lead you in the best direction.
- “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” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
6. Serve Others
- Serving others reflects God’s love and fulfills His command to love your neighbor. It brings purpose and joy to your life.
- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace” (1 Peter 4:10).
7. Seek God’s Kingdom First
- Focus on eternal goals, not just earthly ones. Make God’s purposes—sharing His love, growing in faith, and living righteously—a priority in your life.
- “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2).
8. Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
- Spend time with people who encourage you in your faith and help you keep God first in your decisions and actions.
- “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).
9. Be Grateful in All Circumstances
- A heart of gratitude keeps you focused on God’s blessings and goodness, fostering joy and contentment.
- “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
10. Give God the Glory
- Acknowledge God as the source of your achievements, blessings, and strength. Let your life be a testimony of His goodness.
- “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Benefits of Putting God First
- Clarity and Purpose: When you align your life with God’s will, you discover your true purpose.
- Inner Peace: Trusting God’s plan relieves anxiety and stress.
- Guidance and Wisdom: God directs your steps and provides wisdom for decisions.
- Fulfillment and Joy: Living for God leads to a joy that surpasses circumstances.
- Stronger Relationships: Prioritizing God helps you love and serve others better.
When you put God first, you’re not only living the life He intended but also positioning yourself to receive His abundant blessings. It’s a daily choice, but the rewards—purpose, peace, and joy—are eternal. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4).
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