In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success. Proverbs 3:6 (TLB)
It is a choice. While it seems like a no-brainer, the decision marks the path we walk. When God is first, His protection and provision can operate without interruption. We live our lives in the right direction. But when the wrong things take the place of priority, people make wrong decisions and live unprotected lives.
One key to putting God first and keeping Him at #1 is cultivating a life of constant praise. Praise is supernatural in the way it operates. Our praise to the Lord affects us. It alters our perception to see His greatness and ability. Have you ever felt down and depressed but chose to lift your hands and thank God, praising Him for giving you another day? The heavy feeling was real. The oppression was weighing on you mentally and physically. But the praise was spiritual! It dominated and moved you into the kingdom flow of victory!
Psalm 100:3 (AMPC) Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3 is a root of praise. Knowing it is God who made us gives Him the proper place of honor. We are His, His people, His creation. Cultivating this perception is easy when we praise Him. It happens as we lift our hands, sing to Him, and speak words that express that we know who He is and what He has done for us. The more we acknowledge Him as our Maker, our Provider, our Strength, and Helper, the more we will see His glory and power on display.
So put God first by lifting up your praises to Him. Trust in the Lord! God will direct you and crown your efforts with His success!
