In the fast pace of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in work, relationships, responsibilities, and personal goals. But the Bible consistently reminds us to keep God at the center of it all.
When we put Him first, everything else starts to fall into place—not necessarily in ease, but in alignment with His purpose.
Spiritually, keeping God first deepens our relationship with Him. Emotionally, it brings peace amid chaos. Practically, it helps us make better decisions rooted in faith, not fear. Whether you’re new to faith or seasoned in your walk with God, the Bible provides timeless encouragement to prioritize Him daily.
Below are 15 powerful Bible verses about keeping God first, with clear insights to inspire your journey.
15 Bible Verses About Keeping God First
1. Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Explanation:
Jesus tells us that our first priority should be God’s kingdom and His righteousness. When we do that, He will take care of our needs. This verse teaches us to trust God’s order and timing.
2. 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.
Explanation:
This verse encourages full dependence on God. Keeping Him first means trusting Him, even when we don’t understand the path ahead.
3. Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before me.
Explanation:
As the first commandment, this sets a clear standard—God must come before anything or anyone else. It’s a call to loyalty and faithfulness.
4. Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Explanation:
This verse reminds us to focus on eternal things. Keeping God first shifts our priorities from temporary to lasting values.
5. Deuteronomy 6:5
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Explanation:
Loving God completely is at the heart of keeping Him first. It means involving Him in every area of life.
6. Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Explanation:
When God is our delight, our desires start to align with His will. This verse encourages us to seek joy in Him above all.
7. Joshua 24:15
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Explanation:
Joshua makes a bold declaration to put God first in his home. This verse challenges us to make that same commitment in our families.
8. Mark 12:30
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Explanation:
Jesus repeats the greatest commandment here. Loving God fully—with every part of who we are—is the foundation of keeping Him first.
9. Luke 14:26
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Explanation:
Jesus uses strong language to emphasize that nothing—not even family—should come before our devotion to Him. It’s about priority, not hate.
10. Psalm 16:8
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Explanation:
Placing God constantly before us brings strength and stability. This verse encourages a daily practice of God-centered living.
11. Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Explanation:
Offering our lives to God as a living sacrifice shows total commitment. It’s one of the clearest ways to keep Him first.
12. Matthew 22:37
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Explanation:
Another reminder from Jesus that loving God fully is non-negotiable. It reflects a life fully aligned with God’s will.
13. Philippians 3:8
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Explanation:
Paul shows what it means to value Jesus above all else. This verse challenges us to evaluate what we’re truly putting first.
14. Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Explanation:
Keeping our mind on God brings peace. This verse reminds us that trust and focus go hand in hand when we prioritize God.
15. Revelation 2:4
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Explanation:
Jesus warns the church about losing their first love—Him. It’s a sobering reminder to not let routine or distractions take His place.
Final Thoughts: Choosing God Daily
Keeping God first isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment. Whether it’s through prayer, reading Scripture, or making godly choices, each step we take toward Him strengthens our faith and shapes our lives. The Bible verses about keeping God first offer both encouragement and challenge, helping us realign our priorities with what truly matters.
Take a moment to reflect. What does keeping God first look like in your life right now? What steps can you take today to make Him your highest priority?
Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear from you. Which of these Bible verses about keeping God first speaks to you the most? Do you have a favorite Scripture or personal experience you’d like to share? Leave a comment and let’s encourage one another in this journey of faith.