Written byG.L. Ellens|February 2026|
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Over the last couple of months, I’ve really tried to put God first every morning. And it has made all the difference in the world. Taking time with God first thing in the morning is powerful and important. The time we spend with Him prepares us to take on anything that comes our way that day, good or bad.
I’ve found that trying to manage my day without committing my day to the Lord in prayer first is like trying to drive a car without suspension. Automotive experts tell us that’s not a good idea.—Not only will the ride be bumpy, but the car will be unstable and difficult to steer.
Starting our day with the Lord gives us a fresh, gratitude-filled perspective for the entire day. Not only does it change our day, it eventually changes our whole life. It helps us to trust Jesus with everything that comes our way.
Keep in mind, too, that God is not some distant supernatural being advising us from afar off. He wants a relationship with each of us that is personal and intimate. In fact, He’s promised that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
Granted, this is not always easy. Life hits us with tons of distractions and to-dos. So many activities can easily take up all our time—children, work, life responsibilities, the internet and social media, even church activities. At times, it seems that the last thing we could possibly think of is taking time to commune with God.
Maybe it’s time to reorder our priorities. If we neglect taking time with God, we’ll be taking a car ride without the benefit of suspension, and we’ll be less prepared to deal with the bumps and jolts of life. So, whatever it takes, let’s make time to be alone with God.
Having a few ideas to start with can be helpful. Instead of starting with my prayer requests, I begin with praising God. Reading the Bible or an entry from a devotional book and singing a song of praise is a great way to start. After that, I write in my gratitude journal at least five things I’m thankful for from the previous day.
Lately, I’ve started to realize that, just like in any other relationship, there needs to be two-way communication. I can’t just say what I want to say without also listening to the other person. The same is true of the Lord. He often has something He wants to say as well if we will listen. So often, if I just get quiet, a Bible verse or some words of comfort and encouragement will come to mind. It may be just a sentence or two or three. But that’s enough. It’s beautiful and comforting and gives me the perspective I need for the day ahead or guidance for something specific that’s troubling me.
Remember, God wants our fellowship. He has done everything He can to make that happen. He has forgiven our sins at the cost of His own Son. He has given us His Word, as well as the priceless privilege of spending time with Him. So, let’s make it a priority! Let’s put God first!
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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
When we come to Christ, we’re no longer the most important person in the world to us; Christ is. Instead of living only for ourselves, we have a higher goal: to live for Jesus.—Billy Graham
We need to make sure our activities and our attitudes line up with what pleases God first and foremost. Wherever we focus our attention the most will become the driving force in our lives.—Lysa TerKeurst
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If you have not yet received Jesus as your Savior, you can do so by praying the following prayer:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross for me so that, through Your sacrifice, I can live forever with You in heaven. I ask that You forgive my sins. I open the door of my heart to You. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me live in a way that glorifies You. Guide my life and help me to follow You. In Your name I pray. Amen.
G.L. Ellens
G.L. Ellens is a missionary, retired schoolteacher, and freelance writer. She has lived in Southeast Asia for nearly three decades.
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