In the noise and speed of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. But when we choose to keep God first, everything else begins to find its proper place.
The Bible gives us powerful reminders and encouragement to put God above our worries, goals, relationships, and even our own desires.
Keeping God first isn’t about being perfect—it’s about aligning our hearts with His will daily. When we do, we experience greater peace, purpose, and clarity.
In this blog post, you’ll find 35 inspiring bible verses about keeping God first, each with a brief explanation to help you apply it in your journey of faith.
1. Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Explanation: Jesus teaches us to prioritize God above material needs. When we focus on Him, He takes care of the rest.
2. Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Explanation: Keeping God first means acknowledging Him in every decision. He promises to guide us when we do.
3. Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Explanation: Loving God fully is the foundation of faith. He deserves our whole heart, not just a part of it.
4. Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before me.
Explanation: This command reminds us not to put anything—people, success, or possessions—above God.
5. Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.
Explanation: Trusting God with your plans shows that He comes first. He honors that surrender with action.
6. Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Explanation: Focusing on God shifts our perspective and keeps us grounded in eternal priorities.
7. Mark 12:30
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 calls this the greatest commandment—because when God is first, everything else follows.
8. Joshua 24:15
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Explanation: Choosing to serve God daily is a bold and personal declaration of keeping Him first in your life and family.
9. Psalm 16:8
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Explanation: Fixing your eyes on God brings strength and stability, no matter what comes your way.
10. Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Explanation: Peace comes when we center our thoughts and trust on God above all else.
11. Luke 10:27
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.
Explanation: This verse repeats the greatest commandment, reinforcing its importance in our everyday walk.
12. Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
Explanation: David’s greatest desire was closeness with God—a beautiful picture of keeping Him first.
13. Romans 12:1
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Explanation: Living fully for God means offering every part of ourselves to His purpose.
14. Philippians 3:8
I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Explanation: Paul gave up everything to know Christ, showing that nothing compares to keeping Jesus first.
15. Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Explanation: When your plans start with God, He brings success and direction.
16. John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.
Explanation: Staying connected to Jesus is essential for a life of purpose and blessing.
17. Psalm 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
Explanation: When God is your greatest desire, other wants take their rightful place.
18. 1 Chronicles 16:11
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Explanation: Seeking God consistently keeps our hearts and priorities aligned with Him.
19. Psalm 119:2
Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.
Explanation: Blessing follows those who pursue God sincerely and wholeheartedly.
20. Matthew 22:37
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
Explanation: This repeated truth anchors us—it’s the daily act of choosing God first in thought, feeling, and action.
21. Isaiah 55:6
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
Explanation: Don’t wait—make God your priority now, while you can respond to His voice.
22. Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Explanation: God promises to show up when we truly make Him the center of our search.
23. Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Explanation: Jesus is our focus. Looking to Him keeps us steady and growing in faith.
24. Revelation 2:4
You have forsaken the love you had at first.
Explanation: It’s easy to drift from putting God first. This verse is a wake-up call to return to Him.
25. Psalm 1:2
But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
Explanation: Constant meditation on God’s Word helps keep Him central in our lives.
26. Luke 9:23
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Explanation: Following Jesus means daily choices to put Him above our own wants.
27. Psalm 63:1
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you.
Explanation: A heart that longs for God first experiences deep spiritual satisfaction.
28. James 4:8
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
Explanation: The more we draw close to God, the more we experience His nearness and direction.
29. Matthew 16:24
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Explanation: Following Jesus is about choosing Him over self, each and every day.
30. Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love.
Explanation: Starting your day with God’s love sets the tone for keeping Him first all day long.
31. Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land.
Explanation: When God leads, He provides. Keeping Him first invites His care into every part of your life.
32. Colossians 3:17
Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Explanation: Every action becomes worship when done with Jesus in mind.
33. Deuteronomy 10:12
What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him…
Explanation: God desires reverence and obedience—two key ways we keep Him first in our lives.
34. Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, Lord… for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Explanation: Keeping God first means constantly looking to Him for direction and hope.
35. 2 Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him.
Explanation: Jesus gave everything for us. In response, we live for Him—putting Him first in everything.
Keep God First—And Watch Everything Else Fall Into Place
These bible verses about keeping God first are not just reminders—they’re invitations to reorder your life around what matters most. God isn’t asking for perfection; He’s asking for priority. When we give Him first place in our hearts, time, and choices, He brings peace, purpose, and provision that nothing else can.
Your Turn: How Do You Keep God First?
Which of these verses encouraged you today? Do you have a favorite scripture or personal habit that helps you put God first in your daily life? Share your thoughts or favorite verses in the comments—your insight might help someone else take their next step in faith.
Let God lead. When He’s first, everything else falls into place.