In today's rat race, setting aside moments to commune with God might feel like a task you can't fulfill because you don't have enough time on your hands.
Yet, developing and prioritizing this divine connection is the cornerstone to enhancing our spiritual growth and discovering who our Father God is. When we do so, we will see the rich rewards of growing more and more in God each and every day.
I desire that by the time you get done reading this blog post; you will be inspired to make the needed changes in your life. I know, I know, many of you don't like changes, and that's okay. I promise you this, these changes will lead you to a more gratifying walk with God.
Ready to make God a priority in your life? Buckle up! Let's GO!
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Unleashing the Power of Making God a Priority
Proverbs 3:6 (TLB) 6 In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.
Many people look at life as, "What is in it for me?" I am not saying that is right, and we should never look at our relationship with God like that. We should always want to have a willing heart for what it may be when it comes to our Father God. BUT we must also realize that He is a God who is rich in benefits!
It's crucial to realize that prioritizing our time with God opens the door for a relationship that we never knew we could have. By setting aside dedicated time for prayer, Bible study, and worship, we create a space where we can hear His voice and receive divine guidance. As we are guided by the Lord, we are putting ourselves right in the middle of His plan and purpose for our lives.
That can scare many people because they feel like they will lose control. I can say this, after 33 years of serving Him, I don't want control. I want Him to have full control. There is no better way to live. There is no way I would be where I am at today without His control.
Through this intentional act of prioritization, we invite God to speak into every area of our lives and establish a deep and meaningful connection with Him. He leads, guides, and directs our steps. There is such an amazing amount of peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes along in our relationship with Him.
Prioritizing God in our lives is the way to get there!
Unlocking Your Prime Time with God
Every individual is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Finding the best time to spend with God is a personal journey that requires self-reflection and experimentation.
Just because it didn't work one time doesn't mean you should hang it up. I can't tell you how many times I have readjusted my time with the Lord. I didn't throw in the towel and said, this will never work. No, I kept working it over and over until I came to a great place in my life for prayer and study time. Today, I can say I have true consistency.
I am not an evening person. When it gets close to my bedtime, I don't want to think about anything else. Also, I use the last few hours of the day to wind down. So, evening time would never work for me. I use my morning walks to do my praying. I don't like praying in a chair at home. I will usually get distracted or start falling asleep. Then, after my walk, I go to my office to do a Bible study for about 30 minutes.
Mornings may not work for you, and that's okay. You may be that person who can find quiet time in the evenings before bedtime. The key is to identify the time of day when you feel most energized, focused, and receptive to God's presence and make it a priority.
Consistency Over Intensity in Making God a Priority
Our spiritual walks are not defined by occasional actions but rather by the consistent choices we make. Consistency over a long period of time is more important than intense but short-lived efforts.
I have seen it repeatedly, not only in my life but in others. We get inspired by a mission trip, a conference, or a powerful church service. We are ready to take on the world and make powerful changes. Then, two weeks later, we are back to doing the same thing before. Don't get condemned by this; use it to empower you to make the necessary changes.
Consistency is key when it comes to building a meaningful relationship with God. It's essential to block out time in our schedules and establish a routine that reflects our commitment to connecting with Him daily. While it's natural to stumble or miss a day occasionally, it's important not to beat ourselves up for not getting it right the first time. Rather, we should approach our journey with an attitude of grace, knowing that every small step counts and that God is always ready to meet us where we are.
Exercise is a great example. When I started running, I could only run four or five blocks. There were times I would skip a day. I was inconsistent, but at least I made an effort. In my mind, I still wanted to run, but I didn't put the proper effort behind it through consistency. I stayed with it; I spoke and encouraged myself. I focused on the progress that I was making.
In time, I became more and more consistent to the point where I learned to love running and looked forward to it the next day. The key for me was I didn't beat myself up. I encouraged myself to stay with it. I looked at the days I was consistent. I saw the positive, not the negative.
We need to see that same for ourselves when making God a priority as we build consistency and stay focused on what we are doing. Celebrate your wins. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the love for alone time with the Lord. I promise He will. Learn to act on it, and the intensity will grow.
Don’t Overkill It in Setting Expectations
I don't know about you, but I never set New Year's Resolutions. I think many times over, they are something I should be doing anyway. So, I set them throughout the year. Also, in many cases, failure is bound to happen if the bar gets set too high.
When it comes to the duration of our quiet time with God, it's crucial to set realistic expectations. We should avoid imposing rigid time limits on ourselves, as it may lead to frustration and a sense of failure.
Instead, start with a manageable timeframe that feels comfortable, such as ten minutes, and gradually increase it as you feel led. For myself, I don't even set time limits. I go with the flow of the Holy Spirit, or if I am done with my prayer list, I'm done. But starting out with small incremental timeframes may work great for you.
Remember, the goal is not to clock a specific number of minutes but to develop a consistent habit of spending quality time with God.
Establish a Getaway Space for You and God
Matthew 6:6 (NLT) — 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
This one may not necessarily be about making God a priority, but I think it is important for the simple fact that you must have a proper space or environment to pray. A place where you can shut the door behind you. It can greatly enhance the experience of your prayer time.
Whether it's a quiet corner in your home, a park bench, or a cozy nook in your church, find a place where you can go to be alone with God. Consider adding elements like soft music, dim lighting, or even a set of headphones to help minimize distractions and create an atmosphere of worship and reverence.
As I shared above, my prayer time takes place while I walk. My neighborhood is relatively quiet. I am able to walk and be alone with God. It works best for me. Find what space works for you.
Distractions will Stop You From Making God a Priority
1 Corinthians 7:35b (NLT) — 35b I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
This is the thorn in my side. It is my kryptonite! I have to continuously remind myself to put my phone down during prayer time, or my mind begins to run wild with other thoughts instead of what I should be praying about. I have even gone so far as to get software for my phone to lock it, and I can't unlock it until a certain time. I know that sounds crazy, but I had to take drastic measures.
In our digital age, distractions abound, and it's crucial to eliminate or minimize them during our time with God. Turning off our phones or placing them on silent mode can help ensure uninterrupted communion with Him.
Additionally, sharing your intentions with family members or roommates and asking for their support in respecting your prayer time can make a significant difference. By intentionally removing distractions, we create a space where we can fully engage with God and receive His peace and guidance.
Also, don't think that the devil won't try to send distractions in a timely fashion, like unwanted phone calls or the neighbor needing a cup of sugar. Trust me, he is sly and doesn't want you praying.
Get Your Head in the Game
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) — 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
There is nothing more frustrating than carrying baggage into your prayer time. The whole time you are trying to focus on the Lord, your mind keeps thinking about what is causing you emotional stress. Baggage can be you just fought with your teenage son, are struggling with bills, or may have just lost your job.
When we enter into our prayer time with God, it's important to let go of our stress and worries. Start by acknowledging them, but then consciously release them to God's care. Quietly express your concerns to Him and declare your decision to surrender them into His capable hands. Allow yourself to relax, be fully present in the moment, and embrace the peace that comes from knowing that God hears and receives your prayers.
My Takeaway
Prioritizing God in your life can really change things for the better. You will find yourself having a more profound relationship with Him. You will sense a greater level of joy, more peace, and more clarity. Also, you will see God operating more and more in your life by gaining clarity for your life, His plans, and purposes.
It helps if we set a definite time, be serious about it, and make a special place to focus on God. As we become better at not letting things distract us and really focus on praying, reading the Bible, and worshipping, we let God's influence change us.
So, let's promise today to make time for God, letting Him lead us to a life where we grow spiritually and find real satisfaction.
Scriptures on Prioritizing God
Matthew 6:33
Matthew 10:38-39
Matthew 13:44-46
Matthew 22:37-40
Ephesians 1:22-23
Colossians 3:17
Exodus 20:3
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:9-10
Psalm 27:4
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of prioritizing God in my life?
Prioritizing God in our lives yields profound benefits for our spiritual growth and well-being. This results in profound peace, as noted in Philippians 4:7, and provides a solid foundation of hope. The divine wisdom and guidance we gain from this priority direct our lives purposefully as we align with His plan, as reminded by Proverbs 3:5-6. Doing so strengthens our relationship with God, and our love for others grows, showing His character to the world as taught in Matthew 22:37-39. Prioritizing God brings significant blessings of peace, wisdom, and love, leading us to an enriched life. Seeking His presence, above all, assures true fulfillment and purpose.
What are the consequences of not putting God first?
Neglecting God results in severe consequences, damaging all aspects of life. We inadvertently usurp God's place in our lives by prioritizing personal wants and worldly pursuits, causing a loss of direction and alienation from God's abundant life.
Jesus cautions in Matthew 6:24 that we can't serve God and money. Prioritizing wealth enslaves us to worldly success, causing anxiety, greed, and dissatisfaction.
Not prioritizing God subjects us to sin's influence, as Romans 6:16 warns. As a result, we're exposed to sin's destructive power, leading to spiritual death and separation from God.
Matthew 16:26 reminds us that worldly gains are futile if we lose our souls. We can attain fulfillment, peace, and eternal salvation by making God paramount.
What are God's priorities for my life?
God desires us to love Him completely, cherish our relationships, and prioritize prayer, worship, and Scripture study. His biblical priorities also include leading a holy life, reflecting His character by avoiding sin and seeking righteousness. Lastly, He commands us to share Jesus Christ's message, inviting others to know Him. We should love others, be holy, share Christ's good news, and let these priorities guide our decisions and actions, all for God's glory.
Shawn Paul is an author and missionary who has been living and working in Central America for the past 10 years. He is passionate about living for Jesus Christ and inspiring others to do the same, which is the focus of his blog, where he shares his expertise in Christianity.
In addition to his missionary work, Shawn enjoys reading books, studying God's Word, growing plants and flowers, feeding birds, and keeping up with the latest technology.
As a writer, Shawn's unique perspective and passion for his faith shine through in his work. Shawn's goal for the future is to impact people around the world for Jesus through his writing and missionary work.