The New Year brings with it all the goals, planners, resolutions, and hopeful to-do lists. We start thinking about how to organize our lives better, break old habits, or try something new. But above all the changes we could make, one rises to the top: seeking God first.
Psalm 105:4 reminds us:
“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”
That one verse is both invitation and instruction. So what does it really mean to seek God first?
The Meaning Behind “Seek”
The Hebrew word for “seek” (baqash) means to search with deep longing, desire, and intention. To seek His “face” in Hebrew represents His “presence.”
Seeking God first means intentionally turning our hearts toward Him- not just checking in now and then but turning to Him before anyone or anything else for help, guidance, wisdom, and setting priorities.
Even though He’s always with us (Matthew 28:20), He invites us into an ongoing personal relationship- a “2-way street” that is alive and growing.
Why Seek God First?
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When we seek Him first, we aren’t just putting God at the top of a checklist- we’re choosing to make Him the center of our lives. He becomes our go-to for peace, guidance, strength, and clarity.
Seeking God first means:
- Trusting Him before you worry
- Keeping God in 1st place when temptations arise
- Turning to Him before you Google
- Praising Him before you panic
Dr. David Jeremiah encourages us: “When I put God first, God takes care of me and energizes me to do what really needs to be done.”
What Gets in the Way?
Let’s be honest- our lives are full. We wake up thinking about our responsibilities, schedules, and maybe even that first sip of coffee before anything else. There are so many distractions, and the world pulls at our attention constantly.
Many times, our busyness is really just a lack of intentional focus. There is always something to “seek” other than God. What is pulling you away from Him?
How to Seek God With All Your Heart
Psalm 119:2,10 says:
“Blessed are they… who seek Him with all their heart… I seek you with all my heart.”
To seek God with all your heart means:
- You prioritize Him over everything else
- You bring Him into every part of your day
- You trust Him more than your own understanding
It’s not about being perfect, but honoring your King and Friend with all of your heart.
Practical Ways to Seek God First
Let’s go back to Psalm 105:4 and break it down:
1. Seek the Person of God
Get to know who He is- faithful, kind, gracious, just, creative, patient, and loving. You’ll only trust someone you know, and we get to know God through His Word.
2. Seek His Strength
He never asks you to handle life on your own. We can call on Him to renew our strength at any time. Isaiah 40:29 says:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
3. Seek His Presence
Whether in prayer, worship, nature, or quiet reflection, open your heart to notice God’s presence. His Spirit lives within you to lead and guide. It is here we can most clearly hear His voice.
Seeking God Through Prayer
Jesus constantly spoke to the Father. If He needed prayer to stay connected, how much more do we?
Prayer is simply conversation. You can:
- Thank Him for the little things
- Ask for His help before making a decision
- Share your heart and your fears
- Worship Him for who He is
And yes, you can pray with coffee in hand and dishes in the sink!
What Seeking God Looks Like Every Day
- Start your morning with Him- even a few minutes.
- Whisper prayers throughout your day.
- Worship while you clean, drive, or walk.
- Turn to Scripture instead of social media.
- Pause and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to do here?“
It’s not about doing more- it’s about inviting God into what you’re already doing.
Jesus on Seeking: Lost Sheep and Prodigals
Jesus taught us how to seek diligently- just like the shepherd leaving the 99 to eagerly look for one lost sheep or the father tirelessly watching for his wayward son. That’s the kind of persistent, loving pursuit we should reflect in our walk with God.
Will Life Get Easier? Maybe Not. Will It Get Better? Absolutely.
Life doesn’t slow down. Laundry piles up. Kids need help. Deadlines loom. Trials come and go.
But when you seek God first, you invite His peace, His joy, and His wisdom into all of it.
Remember the story of Martha? Jesus didn’t scold Martha for her service. He taught her about choosing what matters most.
“You are worried and upset about many things… but only one thing is needed.” (Luke 10:41-42)
That one thing? Sitting at Jesus’ feet.
Bible Verses About Seeking God First
Here are a few verses to anchor your heart to His:
- “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God.” 1 Chronicles 22:19
- “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above…” Colossians 3:1
- “You will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
- “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
- “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:1.
Which one of these comforted you? Encouraged you? Write one down each day and reflect on it. Let it guide your thoughts and actions.
A Simple Prayer to Seek God First
Lord God,
You are my Rock and my Redeemer. Thank you for your constant presence, even when I feel distracted or distant. Help me hunger for your Word, seek your wisdom, and walk in your truth. Remind me to turn to you before anything else, especially when I’m overwhelmed or unsure.
I want to seek you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Let this new season be filled with a deep desire to know you more and put you first in every part of my life.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Final Thoughts
Seeking God first isn’t just a once-a-year resolution; it’s a daily invitation to walk with Him. When we put Him at the center of our life, everything else starts to shift into place. He may not change our circumstances, but He changes us.
Start today. Just one prayer. One verse. One step.
He promises you’ll find Him when you seek with all your heart.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva
Very well said. Thank you for the detailed guidance -key points you share in seeking Him first.
Yeah, you’re right, there are so many distractions around us and we really need to have an intentional focus in our spending time with God daily, before we start the day.
As the year 2026 starts, my desire is also to seek Him more through prayer and fasting, spend enough time reading and studying His Word and have a more intimate personal worship .
God bless.🙏♥️
Thank you Leny! I have those same goals for the New Year ahead as well!