We live in unpredictable times. The things we value, the people we care about, the lives we lead—all of it feels uncertain and unstable. 

King David could relate. After years of faithful service to King Saul, the king plotted to murder David. Desperate, David fled to Gath—the home of the giant David killed in battle. After being recognized by the people of Gath, David was so overwhelmed by fear that he pretended to go insane. The king of Gath was repulsed by his “insanity” and so he threw David out of the city.

By this time, David had escaped death multiple times. He was surrounded by people who hated him, and he had every reason to be anxious and fearful. But in the midst of his uncertain circumstances, he creates a Psalm to praise God for His greatness.  

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.

Psalm 34:1 NLT

Worshiping God put David’s problems into perspective. Situations could shift, but God wouldn’t. He was still powerful, constant, and ever-present. He didn’t always remove David from hard situations, but He saw David through every difficult moment.  

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:4 NIV

God was the one who rescued David from his enemies. God was the one who repeatedly provided for His people in the midst of hard times.

And if He did it before, He can do it again. 

Right now, reflect on the ways God has been faithful to you. In what ways has He protected, provided, strengthened, and encouraged you? 

If you’re struggling to think of examples, that’s okay. If praise doesn’t come easy to you right now, just read through Psalm 34 and let its words become your personal prayer.

The same God that David talks about is still doing great things in our world. He still listens to the cries of His people. God is still present in our pain, He is still at work in our uncertainty, and He is still all-powerful—even when we feel powerless.

When nothing in life makes sense—you can still run to Him and find refuge.

We will miss you Lisa!

In the book of Romans, Paul begs Christians to give their entire lives over to God because God sacrificed everything for them. Jesus gave up His life so that we could experience His unending love and grace. We cheapen His gifts if we refuse to align our lives with the way Jesus lived. 

But we give our lives to God by making Him the one thing we pursue above anything else.

So here are 5 steps you can practice—right now—to help you put God first.

Give thanks

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds.”

Psalms 75:1 ESV

Right now, take a moment to thank God for what He’s already done for you. Reflect on His faithfulness, and recount the stories you have seen and heard of His wonderful power.

Spend 5 minutes in silence

“Abide in me, and I in you.”

John 15:4 ESV

Abiding in Jesus starts with stillness. So right now, pause, take a deep breath, and give anything concerning you over to God. Spend 5 minutes centering your heart on the One who matters most.

Remember Whose you are

“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV

God loves you. The price He paid for you cost Him everything. So remind yourself of Whose you are, and reflect on some of the things God says about you.

Meditate on God’s Word

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.”

Psalms 119:97 ESV

One of the best ways to find out how Jesus wants you to live is by spending time in Scripture. As you do, ask God to speak to you through His Word about what His will is.

Focus on what is excellent

“…If there is any excellence … think about these things.”

Philippians 4:8 ESV

You have been given the mind of Christ. If you’re not sure what you should think about, try asking yourself: What is praiseworthy? What thoughts and actions would honor God?

Make a list of whatever comes to mind, and pursue those things.

By practicing these steps every day, you can create habits that will help you pursue intimacy with God every day, and put Him first above everything else.