“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
The Importance of Seeking God First
In our lives, there will always be many competing priorities that vie for our attention. When we talk about keeping God at the center, it means placing Him above everything else in our lives. Seeking God first emphasizes our need to prioritize our relationship with Him, over all the temptations of life. By doing so, we align our hearts and minds towards His purpose and plans. As we intentionally search for His presence in our decision-making and daily tasks, we find clarity and peace. We should remind ourselves to consistently check where God fits into our daily routine. Doing so allows us to experience a more fulfilling life filled with direction.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Proverbs 3:5-6
“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
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
James 4:8
“Come near to God and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” – James 4:8
Building a Relationship with God
Keeping God at the center of our lives involves nurturing a deep personal relationship with Him. We know that connecting with God isn’t a one-time event but a continual process. Through prayer, studying His word, and spending time in worship, we can build an enriching relationship that influences every aspect of our lives. When we prioritize this relationship, we’re more likely to witness His presence and guidance in moments of need. It is essential for us to communicate openly with Him and trust that He hears our heart’s desires. Our relationship with God can shape our perspectives and transform our daily experiences.
John 15:4
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” – John 15:4
Psalms 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalms 119:105
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Trusting God’s Plan
Keeping God at the center means trusting that He knows best, even when we might not see the full picture. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or to try and take control of our circumstances. However, trusting in God’s plan allows us to release our worries and embrace faith over doubt. We must acknowledge that His ways are higher than our ways and that He often leads us through unexpected paths for our growth and His glory. Establishing a trust in God’s plan encourages us to lean on His promises every day, leading us to a more peaceful and purposeful life.
Jeremiah 29:11
“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 hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” – Psalm 32:8
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Keeping God at the Center in Relationships
When it comes to our relationships, keeping God in the center is crucial for harmony and love. Our relationships should reflect God’s love as we treat one another with kindness, compassion, and understanding. By focusing on God as the foundation of our interactions, we can cultivate deeper bonds, promote forgiveness, and build a supportive community. We encourage each other to grow in faith and remain accountable in our spiritual journeys. Each relationship becomes an opportunity to display God’s love and to serve one another selflessly.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
1 John 4:19
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
Making Decisions with God at the Center
Our decisions shape the course of our lives. Keeping God at the center of this process reminds us to seek His guidance diligently. It is essential for us to pray and meditate on His word when faced with choices. By inviting Him into our decision-making, we are more likely to choose paths that align with our values as Christians. We must be attentive and listen for His leading, knowing that when we commit our plans to Him, He will pave a way for us. This perspective allows us to navigate difficult choices with confidence, trusting in His wisdom above our own.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
Psalm 25:4-5
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” – Psalm 25:4-5
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21
Worshiping God at the Center
Worship is an integral part of keeping God at the center of our lives. In worship, we acknowledge His greatness and express our gratitude. Making worship a focal point aligns our hearts with His will and brings us closer to Him. It centers our lives around love, praise, and worship. By participating in communal worship and personal prayer, we invite His presence into our lives and strengthen our faith. Worship becomes our lifestyle, encouraging us to glorify God in every area of our existence, making Him known to others in everything we do.
Psalm 95:6
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” – Psalm 95:6
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24
Psalm 34:1
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” – Psalm 34:1
Final Thoughts
Keeping God at the center is essential for living a life that is fulfilling and meaningful. We can start by seeking Him first, trusting His plans, and intentionally making space for Him in our relationships. Let us continue to build a strong relationship with God through prayer and worship while making our decisions through His guidance. This will allow His peace and purpose to overflow in our lives, impacting ourselves and those around us.
In our journey of faith, having God at the center creates a life filled with joy, hope, and direction. We can rely on His wisdom, knowing He cares for us deeply and desires the best for us. We encourage each other to be examples of love, integrity, and faith to those we encounter.
If you’re seeking encouragement and wisdom on fulfilling God’s purpose and plan, feel free to explore more uplifting topics about fulfilling God’s purpose and fulfilling God’s plan. Let’s continue to grow together in our walk of faith.