Worthwhile Benefits of Putting God First

Is it worth it? That’s usually what it boils down to when we’re trying to determine the value of something. Are the benefits valuable enough? I’ll be sharing about the Benefits of Putting God First in your life but this isn’t a sales pitch. He is worth it beyond measure. My hope is that this encourages you to realign yourself in any area necessary to put God first. The benefits will far exceed what you can possibly imagine!

Benefits Of Putting God First

The benefits of putting God first in your life are too numerous to count for a single post, so I’m sharing five to start us with today. 

1. Peace
2. Guidance
3. Wisdom
4. Provision
5. Comfort

Each benefit will also include several putting God first bible verses as well to support it.

Benefits of Putting God First – Peace

The first benefit of putting God first is peace. Nothing compares to the perfect peace that God alone can provide. When we do not put God first, we attempt life within our own means and measures. Our ways are limiting and sooner than later will result in an unsettled spirit and lack of peace.

Putting God first comes with His perfect peace because He is peace. Have you experienced His perfect peace? Allow His peace to cover you as you trust Him to take priority in your life.

God’s Word tells us in Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Benefits of Putting God First – Guidance

When we put God first, we are surrendering to Him for guidance. We’re trusting His authority and direction. Is there anyone better to guide and direct our steps?

God’s guidance is a great blessing of putting God first. The Creator and Sustainer of all things is the only one that knows where our path should go. When we put Him first, His guidance is a benefit that is incomparable to what we can do for ourselves or within our own strength.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 37:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Isaiah 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.”

Benefits of Putting God First – Wisdom

Another major benefit of putting god first is wisdom. The Lord of wisdom is eager and willing to bestow his wisdom upon us and all we must do is ask Him. 

Whether we’re determining our day, family or parenting decisions, finances, or work concerns, He generously gives wisdom and direction when we seek Him. How much better to seek Him first as you approach a situation and give Him priority?

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Benefits of Putting God First – Provision

It was a toss-up between listing peace and provision first as a benefit until I determined all we’re equally valuable! Jehovah Jirah, the Lord will provide. Our Jehovah Jirah provides every single detail that we need.

The Lord’s provision is an all-encompassing benefit of putting God first. When we prioritize God in our life, He blesses our obedience and submission to Him. 

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 34:10 Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Benefits of Putting God First – Comfort

The final benefit of putting God first is comfort. When we turn and put God first in our life, we receive comfort and rest within our soul knowing we are secure in His care. This goes hand in hand with His perfect peace.

We may step forward blindly but our trust is in the God that provides, comforts, directs, and gives us peace to move ahead.

Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Why is putting God first important?

So aside from the benefits of putting God first, why is putting God first so important?

We’re told to do so in Matthew 6:33: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” This is wrapped in a beautiful promise! “And he will give you everything you need.”

There is not one single thing that God asks of us that He does not supply a way to accomplish it!

Related: Practical Ways to Depend on God

How do you give God the first priority?

To put God first in your life, you have to make the decision and commitment to do so. He will not force you or make you choose Him. As Isaiah 43:10 says, he desires that we “know him, believe in him, and understand that He alone is God.” 

This is only possible by determining to do so. We make the decision to put God first in our day, in our decisions, in our marriage and relationships, in our finances, and in our work. 

Will we stumble and fall for distractions? Absolutely. But praise God that His mercies are new every single morning (Lamentations 3:23) and that He pours His endless grace upon us (2 Corinthians 12:9)!

It starts with us deciding to put Him first, taking a step forward in faith, and then we get to experience the joy and benefits of putting God first!

Related: Holy Habit of Time with God

Putting God First In Your Life

Certainly, there are incredible blessings of putting God first as shown above, but it’s important to note that beyond making the daily decision to put God first, we also must realize we will still fail and fall short this side of heaven. But take heart! God uses our failures to turn us back to Him and He works through all things!

As you’re putting God first in your life and seeking to serve Him above all else, rest in the truth of Philippians 2:13 “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”

He is such a gracious and merciful God to work through and in us, molding us to His likeness!

Bible Stories About Putting God First

A few bible stories about putting God first and being encouraged through others that have gone before you:

• Story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22)
• Story of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:2-2:21)
• Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3)
• Story of Daniel and the Lions Den (Daniel 6)

What could your story be?

More Bible Verses on Putting God First

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Putting God First Quotes

Be encouraged by these powerful putting God first quotes.

It must be God first, God second, and God third. – Oswald Chambers

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities. – Ezra Taft Benson

After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us toward is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again. For however important chastity (or courage, or truthfulness, or any other virtue) may be, this process trains us in habits of the soul which are more important still.

It cures our illusions about ourselves and teaches us to depend on God. We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven. – C.S. Lewis

God has a plan for His Church upon earth. But alas! we too often make our plan, and we think that we know what ought to be done. We ask God first to bless our feeble efforts, instead of absolutely refusing to go unless God go before us. – Andrew Murray

5 Ways to Put God First

So to get the benefits of putting God first, where can you start? Below are 5 ways to start putting God first:

1. Put God first in your life by growing in continual surrender to Him. Wherever you are, whatever you are facing, surrender your life to His hands. When you realize you’ve moved on without Him, confess it and turn back to Him. He is there for us.
2. Put God first in your day. When you wake up, give your day to God and seek Him before you start your endeavors.
3. Put God first in your relationships. Look for ways to please God through your relationships and showing Godly love towards others.
4. Put God first in your business dealings. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord.” (Col 3:23)
5. Put God first in your home. Offer your body as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1) and serving others through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer to put God first

Father, thank you for who you are and for being who I can turn to for every single detail of life. I desire to put you first in all areas of my life. Help me to do so starting this moment, Lord.

When I get distracted, draw me back to you quickly and forgive my pride in seeking to accomplish life in my own strength. God, give me faith to trust you with each area of my life so that each day I grow to rely on you more and more. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Worthwhile Benefits of Putting God First

The benefits of putting God first are worthwhile and beyond measure! I hope this encouraged you to see the goodness of God and His heart for you. We can never lose when we make the decision to put God first in life!