April 14
Putting
God First
“Lord, you alone are everything I need. You make my life secure.”
Psalm 16:5, NIrV
Michael always thought he had life figured out. A successful marketing executive, he spent his days chasing deals and his evenings attending networking events. His weekends were consumed by hobbies and social outings, leaving little room for anything else. Despite his packed schedule, Michael often felt a strange emptiness, a nagging sense that something was missing.
One Sunday morning, Michael decided to attend church. It had been years since he’d set foot in one, but an old friend’s invitation finally persuaded him. The sermon was on Psalm 16:5, and the words struck a chord deep within him: “Lord, you alone are everything I need. You make my life secure.”
The idea of God being “everything” he needed felt foreign. Michael had always relied on himself—his drive, his talents, his plans. As the pastor spoke about finding true fulfillment in God, Michael began to reflect on his priorities.
In the following days, he tried to shake off the feeling, but the verse kept resurfacing in his mind. Late one evening, after a particularly stressful day at work, Michael sat in his quiet apartment, overwhelmed. For the first time in years, he prayed, “God, if You’re everything I need, show me how to put You first. I don’t know where to start.”
Michael began small. Each morning, before checking his phone or opening his laptop, he spent a few minutes reading Scripture and praying. At first, it felt awkward and forced, but over time, those moments became the most peaceful part of his day.
As he learned to prioritize God, other areas of his life began to shift. He realized how much energy he had wasted chasing temporary achievements. He started to trust God’s provision and stopped overworking himself to earn more than he needed. Michael also made time to volunteer at a local food pantry, something he had always wanted to do but never “had time” for.
It wasn’t an overnight transformation. Michael still struggled with old habits and the temptation to put his career above all else. But each time he felt overwhelmed or lost, he returned to Psalm 16:5, reminding himself that God was the foundation of his security and purpose.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being everything we need.
Teach us to seek You above all else, trusting that You will guide and provide for us.
Like Michael, help us let go of the distractions and pressures that pull us away from You.
Lord, remind us daily that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with You.
When we feel empty or lost, draw us closer to Your Word and presence.
Thank You for making our lives secure and for being the constant source of peace in our ever-changing world.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
