Introduction: We live in a world that constantly demands our attention. From the moment we wake up, our phones vibrate, work calls, family needs, and a myriad of tasks clamour for our time and energy. But have you ever paused to consider what truly deserves first place in your life? What is that priority which, if established, brings order and peace to everything else?
What does priority mean?
“Priority” simply means something that is considered more important than other things and should be dealt with first.
What deserves the most attention? What should come before other tasks? What is most urgent or important?
Simple examples:
– If you say, ‘your family is your priority,’ it means they come first.
– If your manager says, ‘This project is the priority,’ it means it’s the most important task and should be done before others.
For us, as followers of Jesus, this concept of ‘priority’ is not just a matter of good time management; it is a cornerstone of our faith journey. Jesus Himself gave us the key to priority.
‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ Matthew 6:33
What should we do first as Christians?
Each day offers us a fresh start — a divine reset button from heaven. How we begin our day determines the direction of our life.
So, the fundamental question for every believer, especially when facing a new day, is: ‘What is my first priority as a Christian?’ The answer is simple, yet profoundly transformative: ‘Seek God first.’
The Example of Jesus: A Divine Daily Reset
When we wake up in the morning, before checking our phones, before speaking to anyone, before starting our plans – we should speak to God. This is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine pattern modelled by our Saviour.
‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.’ Mark 1:35
If Jesus — the Son of God — needed time with the Father before facing the day, how much more do we?
1 – Morning Communion with God:
Your Anchor for the Day: Beginning the day by connecting with God is like casting an anchor in a storm. It stabilises your soul and sets the course for the hours ahead. Psalm 5:3 reminds us:
‘In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.’ Psalm 5:3
Consider God’s mercy revealed to us every dawn:
‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Lamentations 3:22-23
When we intentionally rise early to meet with God, we are making a profound declaration: ‘The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.’ Psalm 118:24
2 – The Power of Seeking God Early: Following Ancient Paths.
This is not a new concept. Throughout the scriptures, we see a consistent pattern: those who sought God early experienced His favour and direction.
- Abraham sought God early.
‘Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.’ Genesis 22:3
- David thirsted for God in the morning.
‘You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.’ Psalm 63:1
Isaiah tells us that God awakens us morning after morning.
‘The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.’ Isaiah 50:4
When we give God our first moments, He grants us clarity, strength, and peace for the rest of the day. The first hour of your day truly shapes the next 23 hours.
Practical Example: A student facing a difficult exam or a challenging project might be tempted to study until the last minute. However, starting the day with God, asking for wisdom and focus, can bring a supernatural calm and mental clarity that frantic hours of study alone cannot provide.
3 – Speak God’s Word Over Your Life: Declaring the Truth
Our words carry immense power, Proverbs 18:21 declares:
‘The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.’ Proverbs 18:21
As believers, we should speak life — not fear, not defeat. Begin your day by declaring God’s promises. Start the day by declaring God’s promises aloud. Let your voice fill the room with faith, not anxiety. Declare God’s favour:
‘The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.’ Deuteronomy 28:13
Let’s declare: ‘I am the head and not the tail.’
Declare divine protection:
‘No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.’ Isaiah 54:17
Let’s declare: ‘No weapon forged against me will prosper.’
Declare Strength in Christ: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength.’ Philippians 4:13
‘Let’s declare: I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.’
Declare Spiritual Victory:
‘You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4
Let’s declare: ‘The one who is in me is greater than the one who is in the world.’
Declare Life and Purpose:
‘I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.’ Psalm 118:17
Your morning confession sets the spiritual temperature for your entire day.
It is an act of faith that changes your perception and the atmosphere around you.
4 – Pray for Wisdom and Direction
Every decision we make (big or small) needs divine direction. King Solomon understood this when he prayed:
‘So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ 1 Kings 3:9
Because Solomon sought wisdom first, God added everything else — wealth, honour, and a long life.
‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ James 1:5
When we pray in the morning, we are not just asking for help — we are aligning ourselves with heaven’s will for the day. Proverbs 16:3 adds:
‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’ Proverbs 16:3
And Jeremiah 29:11 assures us of His purpose for our future.
‘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
5 – Practise Stillness (Silence) — Listen to His Voice
‘He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”’ Psalm 46:10
In our noisy world, silence becomes sacred. When we quiet our hearts, we make space for God’s whispers. He may not always speak in thunder or fire — sometimes He speaks through silence, peace, or a gentle touch on our spirit.
Proverbs 8:17 reminds us:
‘I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.’ Proverbs 8:17
6 – Gratitude and Praise: The Right Entrance to His Presence
Psalm 100:4-5 teaches us how to enter His presence:
‘Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures for ever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.’ Psalm 100:4-5
Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is present. Before asking for anything — give thanks for everything. Praise opens the door for God’s presence to dwell.
Do you remember our pastor Marcio’s word that we received last week?
‘No worship, no rain. The way out of the dry place is: If you send worship upwards, God will send the rain of His provision, His plan, His purpose, and His will to pour out upon you.’
Don’t wait for circumstances to change; use praise to change them.
When tribulations come, humble yourself, kneel, and give glory to God.
Even Paul and Silas, in prison, sang hymns at midnight — and God shook the foundations of their captivity. Your praise can still open prison doors today.
‘About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.’ Acts 16:25-26
The lesson is clear: Praise opens all doors. It opens the door to resources, to joy, to hope, and to dreams that seemed lost. When you praise, the chains that bind you begin to break.
7 – The Morning Reset — Five Habits to Start Each Day
Let’s make this practical — here are five habits every believer should practise daily:
1- Start your day with a gratitude reset. Thank God for life, for breath, and for His mercy.
2- Speak God’s Word over your life.
3- Declare His promises aloud.
4- Pray intentionally for direction and alignment. Ask for wisdom, strength, and sensitivity to the Spirit.
5- Plan your day with purpose, surrendering it to the Lord. Don’t drift — decide. Surrender your plans to the Lord.
6- Practise stillness (silence) and listen to God’s voice. Be silent before Him; His whisper can guide your day.
Conclusion: The Secret to Spiritual Strength
When you make time with God your priority, He straightens your path.
‘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
Every great day begins with a great moment in God’s presence.
Let’s follow Jesus’ example — rising early, seeking the Father, and walking in His power. So, tomorrow morning, when the alarm rings — don’t just wake your body — wake your spirit. And declare:
‘Lord, this is Your day. Speak, I am listening.’ ‘Order my steps, strengthen my heart, and use my life for Your glory.’
Putting God first means giving Him your time, your trust, your finances, your obedience, and your heart — before anything or anyone else. It is a daily commitment strengthened through prayer, Scripture, intentional choices, and a life with God-centred priorities.
Final Prayer ‘Father, thank You for this new day. We choose to seek You first, to hear Your voice, and to walk in Your wisdom. Teach us to prioritise Your presence above all else. May our mornings be filled with Your peace, our days with Your purpose, and our evenings with Your praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.’