How to Put God First in Your Life and See Real Change

Why Putting God First Changes Everything

Life can feel overwhelming. Between work, family, and personal struggles, it’s easy to get caught up in daily distractions and unintentionally push God to the side. But when we truly put God first, something incredible happens—our priorities shift, our faith deepens, and life takes on new purpose and clarity.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” That means when we put God above everything else—our careers, relationships, and even our worries—He takes care of the rest.

But what does it actually look like to put God first in real life? It’s more than just saying, “I love God.” It’s about living in a way that reflects His love and His Word daily. If you’ve been feeling distant from God or unsure of where to start, this guide will help you re-center your life around Him and experience the peace, direction, and joy that comes with it.

What Does It Mean to Put God First?

A lot of people say they put God first, but their actions tell a different story. Putting God first isn’t about just attending church on Sunday or praying when life gets tough—it’s about making Him the center of everything.

When we put God first:

• We make decisions based on His Word, not just our feelings.
• We trust Him even when life doesn’t make sense.
• We seek His approval over the opinions of others.
• We start our days focused on Him, not on stress or social media.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” That’s what it means to put God first—trusting Him with everything and letting Him lead your steps.

A great way to reset your focus is by finding true rest in Jesus, rather than in temporary distractions. If you’re feeling spiritually drained, you may want to check out Finding Rest in Jesus: A Biblical Perspective to help you refocus on Him.

How to Put God First in a Busy Life

Life gets busy. Between work, parenting, responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time for God. But putting God first doesn’t mean we have to clear our entire schedule—it means we intentionally invite Him into our daily lives.

Here’s how to make time for God, no matter how busy you are:

• Start your day with Him – Before reaching for your phone, take a moment to pray, thank God, and read Scripture. Even five minutes in the morning can shift your entire day.
• Talk to God throughout the day – Prayer doesn’t have to be formal. Speak to Him while driving, doing dishes, or taking a break at work.
• Turn worries into worship – Instead of stressing, choose to trust and praise Him through it. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
• Make time for Scripture – Even if it’s just one verse a day, stay connected to God’s Word.

The best way to keep God first is by building habits that naturally bring you back to Him every day. If you need help with that, check out 10 Morning Routines to Start Your Day with Jesus for simple ways to grow your faith daily.

How to Put God at the Center of Your Relationship

Relationships thrive when they are rooted in God. If you’re in a relationship, engaged, or married, putting God at the center means your relationship isn’t just based on love—it’s based on faith, prayer, and biblical truth.

• Pray together – A couple that prays together stays together. Inviting God into your relationship strengthens it beyond what you can do on your own.
• Love the way Christ loves – Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” That means love should be selfless, forgiving, and Christ-centered.
• Seek God’s guidance in decisions – Instead of relying on emotions, pray for wisdom together before making major choices.
• Keep purity a priority – Honor God in how you treat each other, speak to each other, and set boundaries.

When God is the foundation of your relationship, it stands stronger against trials, temptation, and worldly pressures. If you’ve been struggling to keep faith at the center, now is the time to reset and invite Him in.

How to Put God First in Your Marriage

A God-centered marriage doesn’t just happen—it’s built intentionally. When God is first, love flows more freely, forgiveness comes easier, and your relationship becomes stronger than ever.

Here’s how to prioritize God in your marriage:

• Make prayer a daily habit – Pray with and for your spouse. James 5:16 says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Prayer brings unity and healing.
• Love unconditionally – Ephesians 5:33 reminds us, “Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” True love reflects Christ’s love—selfless and unwavering.
• Attend church together – Worshiping as a couple strengthens your faith and keeps your focus on God’s truth.
• Handle conflicts biblically – Instead of reacting in anger, seek peace and wisdom through Scripture.
• Keep serving one another – Marriage isn’t about getting your way—it’s about loving, serving, and growing together in faith.

A marriage that honors God will be tested but never broken, because its foundation is built on Christ. Strengthen your commitment by learning why Sunday worship and communion matter.

How Do I Know If I’m Truly Putting God First?

Many people think they’re putting God first, but how can you really know? Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “You will know them by their fruits.” Your actions reveal where your heart truly is.

Signs that God is first in your life:

• You seek His Word and wisdom before making decisions.
• You choose obedience over convenience, even when it’s hard.
• You trust His timing instead of forcing your own plans.
• Your faith isn’t just talk—it’s reflected in your daily life.

Signs that something else is taking God’s place:

• You rely more on yourself than on prayer.
• You worry more about people’s opinions than God’s truth.
• You put work, money, or relationships above your spiritual walk.
• You only turn to God when things go wrong.

The good news? No matter where you are spiritually, it’s never too late to reset. Start by asking God to help you make Him your top priority. If you’re struggling to find peace in your spiritual walk, check out Philippians 4:6-7 – Finding God’s Peace in a Chaotic World.

Is Not Putting God First a Sin?

Yes, it is. When we don’t put God first, we are putting something else in His place, and that’s idolatry. Exodus 20:3 makes it clear: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

That doesn’t just mean false gods or statues—it means anything that takes priority over God.

• If your career, money, or relationships consume more of your heart than God does, that’s idolatry.
• If you only pray when you’re in trouble but never seek Him daily, He’s not truly first.
• If your worries, fears, or personal desires control your decisions, you’re not fully trusting Him.

God wants all of us—not just the parts we give when it’s convenient. The good news? He is always ready to welcome us back when we realign our hearts with Him. If this has been a struggle for you, take time to read The Seriousness of Taking God’s Name in Vain—it’s a reminder that honoring God means keeping Him first in every part of our lives.

How God Can Change Your Life When You Put Him First

When we finally surrender and put God first, everything changes. That doesn’t mean life gets easier—it means we gain clarity, purpose, and a peace that surpasses understanding.

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Here’s what happens when you truly let God lead:

• Your priorities shift – You start choosing eternal things over temporary ones.
• Your faith grows – You trust His plan instead of forcing your own.
• Your relationships improve – When you love God first, you love others better.
• You gain peace – Worry fades when you know God is in control.

If you’re struggling to understand God’s plan for your life, take time to reflect on Jeremiah 29:11 – Does God Really Have a Plan for You?. The more we seek Him, the clearer His direction becomes.

How to Start a New Beginning with God

No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to put God first. Maybe you’ve drifted away, struggled with doubt, or let other things take priority—but God’s grace is always available for a fresh start.

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Here’s how to start fresh with God today:

• Repent and realign – Confess the ways you’ve put other things before Him and ask for His help to recenter your heart.
• Prioritize time with Him – Just like any relationship, your connection with God grows when you spend time with Him daily.
• Let go of past failures – Don’t let guilt hold you back. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Seek community – Surround yourself with strong believers who will encourage you in faith.

Starting over with God isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being willing. If you want to dive deeper into God’s grace and redemption, check out Acknowledging Our Imperfections: Embracing Redemption and God’s Glory—a powerful reminder that God loves you despite your past.

Overcoming the Fear of Fully Trusting God

One of the biggest struggles in putting God first is fully trusting Him. We like control—we want to know the future, plan everything out, and handle things on our own. But true faith requires letting go.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.”

Trusting God means:

• Believing He knows what’s best, even when you don’t see it yet.
• Letting go of worry and replacing it with faith.
• Surrendering your plans for His perfect timing.

If you’ve been battling fear, stress, or uncertainty, take a moment to read Matthew 6:25-27 – Trusting God in a World Full of Worry. God isn’t asking you to figure everything out—He’s asking you to trust Him completely.

Making Daily Choices That Keep God First

Putting God first isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment. Every day, we have countless choices that either draw us closer to Him or pull us away.

Joshua 24:15 says, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Here’s how to keep God first in your daily life:

• Start every morning with Him – Before reaching for your phone, spend time in prayer, worship, or Scripture.
• Make decisions through prayer – Instead of rushing into things, ask God for wisdom and wait for His direction.
• Give God the first part of everything – That includes your time, finances, talents, and heart.
• Surround yourself with faith-filled people – The right community will strengthen your walk with Christ.

The more we intentionally choose God daily, the easier it becomes to walk in faith. If you want to strengthen your trust and faith in God, take a look at 7 Ways to Increase Your Faith and Trust in God—a great guide for deepening your relationship with Him.

The Danger of Using God’s Name Without True Devotion

A lot of people say, “I put God first,” but their actions say otherwise. Jesus warned against empty words and half-hearted faith.

Exodus 20:7 says, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” That doesn’t just mean using God’s name carelessly—it means claiming to follow Him without actually surrendering to Him.

Signs of empty faith:

• Saying “God is first” but living as if other things matter more.
• Praying only when you need something instead of daily connection.
• Claiming Christianity but ignoring God’s commands in daily life.

God calls us to genuine, wholehearted devotion. If you want to reflect on what it truly means to honor Him, check out The Seriousness of Taking God’s Name in Vain. True faith isn’t about just words—it’s about living out God’s truth daily.

Why Sunday Worship Matters in Putting God First

One of the biggest ways we can show that God is first in our lives is by gathering with other believers for worship. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhort one another.”

Attending church isn’t about checking a religious box—it’s about:

• Prioritizing God’s presence in your week.
• Growing in faith through teaching and fellowship.
• Encouraging others and being encouraged yourself.
• Strengthening your walk with Christ by staying connected to His body, the Church.

When we neglect worship, our faith weakens. If you’ve been feeling disconnected from church, take a moment to read Surprising Facts About Church of Christ Baptism—it may give you a fresh perspective on why being part of God’s family is so important.

When You Put God First, Everything Changes

The choice to put God first isn’t just about one big decision—it’s about the small, daily choices that reflect your faith. It means trusting His plan over yours, obeying His Word, and surrendering every part of your life to Him.

When you seek God first:

• Your faith deepens because you rely on Him instead of yourself.
• Your relationships strengthen because they are rooted in Christ.
• Your worries fade because you trust His promises.
• Your life transforms because you are living in alignment with His purpose.

If you’ve been struggling to keep God at the center of your life, now is the time to reset and refocus. One powerful reminder of why this matters is eternity. Are you living for the temporary things of this world, or are you preparing your heart for what comes after this life?

If you’re not sure, take a moment to read Heaven vs. Hell: Why You Don’t Want to Even Think About Going to Hell—because at the end of the day, putting God first is the only thing that truly matters.

God is waiting—will you put Him first today?