Introduction
Discover how the First Things First Devotion can help you draw nearer to God and keep Him at the center of your life. “First things first.” It sounds simple, yet it is one of the hardest disciplines in the Christian life. We live in a world filled with distractions, responsibilities, ambitions, and endless noise competing for our attention. Without realizing it, God can slowly slip from first place to somewhere further down the list.
But Scripture calls us back to alignment. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God lays out a clear path: humility, prayer, seeking His face, and turning from sin. Likewise, James 4:8 gives us a promise—when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. These are not distant ideals; they are invitations into a restored, prioritized relationship with Him.
If this devotion encourages your walk, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs a fresh reminder to put God first: Subscribe here.
“When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place.” – A.W. Tozer
Main Reflection
The phrase “first things first” is more than a catchy title—it is a spiritual principle that determines the direction of our lives. Jesus made this unmistakably clear in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Notice the order: seek first, then everything else follows. We often reverse it. We chase provision, success, comfort, or control—and then ask God to bless it afterward. But God is not meant to be an addition to our plans; He is meant to be the foundation of them.
The song “First Things First” by Consumed By Fire captures this beautifully. Born out of grief and surrender after losing their father, the lyrics echo a heartfelt prayer: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” That is the essence of putting God first—laying down what we thought we wanted and trusting Him with what He knows we need.
When we truly put God first, several things begin to change:
Our perspective shifts. What once felt urgent becomes secondary. Eternal things begin to outweigh temporary concerns.
Our hearts realign. Sin loses its grip as we turn from it and seek Him, just as 2 Chronicles 7:14 instructs.
Our relationship deepens. James 4:8 becomes real—we draw near to God, and He responds with closeness, peace, and presence.
King David expressed this longing in Psalm 63:1-3: “My soul thirsts for You… because Your steadfast love is better than life.” That is what it looks like when God is truly first—not a duty, but a deep desire.
Putting God first is not about perfection. It is about priority. It means starting your day with Him, surrendering your plans to Him, and continually returning to Him when you drift. It’s a daily decision, sometimes moment by moment.
And here’s the promise: when God is first, everything else finds its rightful place.
Life Application
Take a moment today to honestly evaluate your priorities:
- What is the first thing you turn to in the morning—your phone or God?
- What occupies most of your thoughts—worries or worship?
- Are you seeking God’s will, or asking Him to bless your own?
Start small but intentional:
- Spend time in prayer before anything else in your day.
- Read a portion of Scripture and reflect on it.
- Surrender one specific area of your life to God today.
God is not asking for leftovers—He desires first place in your heart.
If you’re being encouraged to reset your priorities, we invite you again to stay connected and grow with us: Subscribe here.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have allowed other things to take Your place in my life. Teach me to seek You first in all I do. Help me to surrender my plans, my desires, and my worries to You. Draw me closer as I draw near to You, and realign my heart with Your will. May my life reflect that You are truly first above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Song
Consumed By Fire – First Things First
Acknowledgments
We thank:
Pixabay for free, high-quality artwork. (https://pixabay.com)
AZ Quotes for inspirational quotations. (https://www.azquotes.com)
YouTube Gospel Music for timeless worship songs. (https://www.youtube.com)
We recommend GotQuestions.org for further Bible study. (https://www.gotquestions.org)
Subscribe
Stay rooted in God’s Word each day. Join our growing community and receive daily encouragement straight to your inbox:
https://devotionsdonedaily.com/subscribe/