Lately, I’ve found myself frustrated—frustrated by the news, the endless stream of bad headlines, and the constant distractions pulling for my attention. It feels like every time I open my phone, there’s another crisis, another debate, another reason to feel overwhelmed.

Maybe you’ve felt it too. The weight of the world, the stress of daily life, the struggle to stay spiritually focused when everything else is fighting for your mind and heart.

But here’s the good news—God offers us something better. We don’t have to live consumed by the chaos. When we put Him first, everything changes.

A Personal Encounter with His Presence

A few weeks ago, on a Wednesday night of all nights, something unexpected happened. After service, I lingered in prayer, and before I knew it, I was completely lost in His presence. I felt Jesus so strongly in that moment that I didn’t want to leave where I was.

So I stayed.

I prayed, worshiped, and just sat in the peace of His presence. And even when I finally left the church, I still didn’t want that feeling to fade. So after dropping my family off at home, I drove straight to Andy’s Frozen Custard.

Now, I know that might sound odd, but in that moment, it felt like the Holy Ghost and I were fellowshipping over frozen custard. I continued to pray and linger in His presence, feeling an overwhelming peace and joy come over me.

I told the Lord, “I want this all the time!”

And I believe what I experienced that night was just a small taste of what heaven will be like for eternity.

That night reminded me that seeking God first isn’t about checking off a box or fulfilling a duty—it’s about relationship. It’s about loving His presence so much that we don’t want to leave it.

What Does It Mean to Seek First the Kingdom?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 (NKJV):

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

That’s a powerful promise! But what does it actually mean in daily life?

For some, it means turning a daily commute into a worship session. For others, it might mean setting boundaries with social media or prioritizing prayer before anything else.

For me, that Wednesday night reminded me that seeking Him first means making room for His presence, lingering, and refusing to rush away from Him.

Practical Ways to Seek Him First

If we want to live with peace, joy, and clarity, we have to be intentional. Here are some simple ways to keep God at the center of our lives:

1. Start the Day with God

Before anything else—before texts, emails, or social media—start with prayer and the Word. Even a few minutes with Him will set the tone for the entire day.

💡 Benefit: Less stress, more focus, and a greater sense of peace throughout the day.

• Psalm 5:3 (NIV) – “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

2. Fast from Distractions

Fasting isn’t just about food. Maybe it’s time to take a break from social media, binge-watching, or anything that’s stealing your attention from God.

💡 Benefit: More time, deeper connection with God, and a clearer mind.

• Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) – “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

3. Pray Throughout the Day

Seeking God isn’t just about Sunday morning or morning devotions. Talk to Him in the car, during breaks, while doing chores—make Him part of everything.

💡 Benefit: A stronger relationship with God and the ability to hear His voice more clearly.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) – “Pray without ceasing.”

4. Linger in His Presence

Don’t rush away from God. When you feel His presence, stay a little longer. Worship doesn’t have to end when service does. Prayer doesn’t have to stop because you have things to do. Make space for Him.

💡 Benefit: A deeper awareness of God’s presence, unshakable peace, and an overflowing joy.

• Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) – “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

5. Trust Him with the Unknown

One of the hardest parts of seeking Him first is surrendering control. But when we stop trying to handle everything on our own, we allow God to work in ways we never imagined.

💡 Benefit: More peace, less anxiety, and greater confidence in God’s plan.

• Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) – “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.”

What Happens When We Seek Him First?

The more we seek Him, the more we are transformed. When we put God first:

✅ Worry is replaced with peace
✅ Fear is replaced with faith
✅ Confusion is replaced with clarity
✅ Stress is replaced with joy

That Wednesday night changed me. I don’t want to just fit God into my schedule—I want to build my life around Him.

And I believe He’s calling all of us to that deeper place—to that fellowship, that joy, that peace that never has to end.

Your Turn—Let’s Talk!

I’d love to hear from you! Comment below and share this post!

• What’s one way you’ve made an effort to put God first?
• Have you noticed a difference in your life when you seek Him daily?
• Have you ever had a moment where you didn’t want to leave His presence?

Drop a comment below and let’s encourage each other in this journey. We’re all in this together!

Let’s seek Him first, surrender our distractions, and step into everything He has for us. Because when we put Him first, everything else falls into place.

“Seek first the kingdom.”