How to put God first in your life!
In a world filled with the distractions of work, family obligations, romantic relationships and desires, “putting God first” has always seemed to me like a vague request or difficult goal to implement. We heard this directive a million times, but how exactly do we do it?? If you’re anything like me you have been up and down, good and bad on your spiritual journey. And, for us spiritual ones, “putting God first” always resurfaces as a reminder from time to time. But what does it really mean to put God first, in a practical and meaningful way?
1. Understanding the Concept of Putting God First
At its core, putting God first means prioritizing your relationship with God above all else! It is about allowing God to be the foundation upon which all other aspects of your life are built (finances, career, family, etc.). By putting God first you are intentionally ensuring that God is at the center of every decision, your thoughts, actions, and goals. I say the best relatable way to understand how to put God first, is to place God in the position of a best friend or a lover. (Hey, whatever is needed to understand, ok!). This is the person where you place your time and energy; a person you prioritize in your life.
A day won’t go by without thinking of this person, spending time with this person, confiding in this person and expressing gratitude towards this person.
Leaning into this person makes you feel at peace because of their support and guidance. And you are proud and honored to be with this person. You respect and value their opinion and take heed to their guidance. You seek their counsel in difficult situations and share your wins with them. You are vulnerable and honest in sharing your doubt and fears. You are transparent and open to this person getting to know the real you because you know this person has your best interest in mind.
2. Practical Ways to Put God First
A. Block Out Time to spend in God’s Presence.
Begin & End Your Day with Prayer and Meditation: Prioritize God by starting your day with God. Make time upon awakening for prayer and meditation, and if you don’t know where to start or what to say, read something spiritual and it does not need to be a passage from the bible. It can be from a spiritual literature, I would suggest reading and not to go on YouTube or social media for spiritual posts or discussions as this can get you distracted and lead down a rabbit hole. This intention sets a spiritual tone for the day and helps you align your mind with God’s will. And also displays to God your efforts! Prioritize your commitment to God first by adhering to the times you set to be in God’s presence. No cancelations or no-shows. What daily times will you block out in the am and pm to meet up with God?
B. Surrender Your Plans to God
This has to be done because you acknowledge God’s sovereignty over your plans. God’s ability is so much greater than yours. Ask for God’s guidance in your decisions and trust that God is all-knowing, even when it differs from your own knowledge. Refrain from needless fear and worry. Omit relationships or activities that do not bring Him honor. Obey God. Follow your intuition, spiritual guidance. Do not let anyone pressure you into making decisions or succumbing to their ultimatums. Do not fear loss. Let God be your authority and provider. If you find yourself being pressured, simply state “I have not received any divine confirmation that I should do that”. Mention God in your decisions even when you don’t know why God is leaning in that direction, that is spiritual obedience!
C. Cultivate Gratitude & Trust
By consistently recognizing God’s blessings in your life, you strengthen your relationship with God. Gratitude reminds you of God’s presence and faithfulness, helping you to trust God more deeply. Know God’s perfect heart and intentions for you. Get a journal or get your phone and write down what you are grateful for.
D. Serve Others & Your Purpose
When you put God first, you are called to love others as God loves them. Acts of service and kindness are ways to reflect God’s love and serve Gods purpose in the world. Use discernment! and ask God how or who can you serve? By helping others, you serve God.
In yielding to your divine purpose, seek to not chase the bag or money but to make a conscious decision to act and move fearlessly toward what you were put on this earth to do and I hear this time and time again, …. the money will come!! Your needs are met on your path to your purpose!
E. Talk About Your Best Friend
Stop with the “I don’t know what happened?…..”, “And all ova sudden……”, or “Something told me”, No!, speak of your knowledge of God’s divine intervention, protection and hand in your life. Be a witness of God! Cuz…. Won’t He do it??! Proclaim Good is good ….. all the time!!! And acknowledge in your speakings how he show up in your life!!
3. Conclusion: A Daily Commitment
Putting God first is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. It requires intentionality, faith, and trust. As you cultivate your relationship with God, you will find that His presence brings clarity, peace, and purpose to your life. Each step taken to prioritize God is a step toward a more fulfilled, joyful, and spiritually grounded life. You will approach each challenge with a more positive outlook causing you to make better choices. Take time each day to reflect on how you can put God first in your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Whether through prayer, contemplative gratitude, serving others and your purpose or simply talking about how God showed up in your life, each of these practical act of faith puts you on the right path of putting God first.
Share in the comments how are you putting God first in your life!
This is absolutely beautiful! I just sat here and read this to my daughter to pause from my corporate craziness. Putting God first for me is me putting myself first. If I am made in his image, it is in love of self. Everyone struggles with prioritizing self. Thank you for this reminder.