living for christ

putting God first

During the school year, it can be difficult to put God first. It's normal to get wrapped up with what's in front of us, like tests and sports. However, we should always put God first.

I struggled with putting God first. Volleyball consumed me. It overtook my thoughts and I couldn't focus on what really mattered: God.

This year, before school started, I found ways to spend more time with God. 

1. Go to church

This one's pretty obvious. I try to go to church every Sunday because it helps me refocus and remember that my life is revolved around God, not any other thing. It helps me reset and dive into the upcoming week with a clear mind. 

2. Find a small group

Small groups are incredibly important. I didn't realize how much it was until this year. This year I was put into a new small group because I moved up to the high school ministry. I quickly connected with them, and it's amazing because I know I can confide in them. You can find a small group outside of church. Even if it's made up of a group of friends or other Christians that you meet, that's a small group. 

Being apart of a close group of people who share the same beliefs is so beneficial and reassuring. It's comforting to know that there are people you can trust and be your true self around. 

3. Worship

I made a worship playlist on Spotify! You can find the link in my description. Please check it out!

The most obvious place you can worship at is at a church. I love worshiping at church because I'm around people who love Christ as much as I do. But I also love worshiping by myself at home. When I worship at home, I don't necessarily sing out loud. I lay in my bed or sit on the floor while I listen to my favorite worship songs. When I do this, I spend time with Christ even if it's just for a few minutes, but it's so powerful. I feel and believe every word with all my heart. 

4. Reading the Bible

I used to get bored reading the Bible because I didn't understand what was happening. I still don't, but I do understand a lot more than what I used to. It's important to read the Bible because it's God's word and it came from Him. 

For the next few months, I am reading the chapters of John through Revelations. My youth group is also reading it and we discuss every few weeks. It's a six-month Bible reading plan, and I'm sure you can find it online. I'd encourage you to read it. Maybe we can even start a group chat of people who are doing the reading plan and we can discuss the chapters we read.

One day a few months ago, I came home crying because of something that happened during volleyball practice. But then I opened my Bible to read the chapter for the day, and I came across a verse that made me feel so much better and help me pick myself up. It was like God spoke to me and He showed me the verse at the exact moment I needed it. 

5. Praying

I pray every night while I'm lying in bed. Praying is like talking to God. You're basically having a conversation with God--how awesome is that? Everyone has a different way of praying and that's okay. This summer, someone told me about a poster she saw. I think it's pretty cool so I want to share it with you guys.

One of the orders you can pray in:

Jesus

Others

You

And it spells JOY!

6. Writing

I've been keeping what I call a "Faith Journal." Basically, I whenever I want to spend time with God, I pull out my Faith Journal and start writing. I write whatever's on mind like my thoughts, problems, questions, and what I wonder about. It's a cool way to be completely focused God and when I'm writing it in, it feels like I'm talking to Him. It's also so cool to look back at past days and see what I was thinking about then. I can see my faith grow over time.

7. Bible verses

I've memorizing more and more bible verses lately. It helps so much because whenever I'm faced with a situation I don't want to face, I remember bible verses and it gives me strength.

Here are some of the ones I have memorized.

"Let all that you do be done in love." - 1 Corinthians 16:14

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

"For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life." - John 3:16

"The Lord is stronger than the giants you face."- 1 John 4:4

There are so many more ways you can put God first. For me, these six words have worked very well for me and I find myself thinking about God more often, even when my mind wanders in class. I hope you try some of these ways! If you do anything else that helps you that I didn't list, please don't hesitate to pm me! I would absolutely love to hear them.