Have you ever felt like no matter how much you achieve, it’s still not enough? Like you’re chasing success but never quite catching it? I’ve been there—pushing myself, thinking that if I could just achieve one more thing, I’d find the fulfillment I was searching for. But here’s the thing: the more I chased after the world’s promises, the more I realized they couldn’t fill the void inside. It wasn’t until I started prioritizing God that everything else began to make sense. When we put God first, the blessings naturally follow. But more than the blessings, it’s the peace and purpose that come when we seek Him above all else.
Seeking the Blessor, Not the Blessings
In Matthew 6:33, we’re reminded: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” It’s easy to get caught up in chasing after success, money, or even relationships, believing they’ll bring us happiness. I’ve done it myself. For years, I thought if I worked harder or made the “right” choices, I’d be happy. But happiness seemed to slip further away with every step I took.
That’s when I realized I was chasing the wrong things. I was focused on the blessings, not the Blessor. When I shifted my focus and made God my priority, the change was almost immediate. Not because my circumstances magically improved overnight, but because I began to experience true abundance in my life—abundance of peace, joy, and purpose. God’s blessings come when we seek Him first, and they’re often far greater than anything we could ever imagine for ourselves.
A Life-Changing Decision:
I’ve experienced God’s guidance in my life in ways that continue to amaze me. One of the biggest moments came when I was months away from being discharged from the military. Like many people at a crossroads, I was thinking about what was next. My plan was to go to college, but I wasn’t sure where. I had a few options: stay in Washington State and attend community college, return to Hawaii where I had strong relationships, go back to the Bay Area where my parents lived, or take a leap of faith and move to Los Angeles where I knew no one.
I prayed a lot about this decision, but I still felt uncertain. That’s when I believe God used my military coworker to guide me. He was from Los Angeles and spoke highly of Santa Monica College, telling me about its high transfer rate to universities like UCLA. It planted a seed in my mind. Moving to Los Angeles would require more faith—it was a place where I had no connections and would have to rely heavily on God. But I sensed this was the direction I was being led.
In the end, I chose Los Angeles, and it turned out to be one of the most life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. Looking back, I see how God used that conversation with my coworker to nudge me toward a path that required more trust in Him. As Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” God knew where I needed to be, even when I didn’t.
The Struggle to Prioritize:
Prioritizing God isn’t always easy. The world is constantly throwing distractions our way—jobs, social obligations, endless to-do lists. I remember a season when my life felt like it was on autopilot. I was working on building my career, trying to juggle personal relationships, and all the while, my spiritual life took a backseat. One evening, after yet another long day, I realized I had barely spent time with God in weeks. That realization hit hard—I was running on empty, spiritually drained.
One night, I came across Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” It was a wake-up call. I needed to stop striving so much and simply be still in His presence. From that moment on, I committed to starting each day with prayer and scripture. It wasn’t always easy, and sometimes it meant waking up earlier or rearranging my schedule. But the peace and strength I gained from putting God first made every sacrifice worthwhile.
Choosing Him Daily
The lesson I’ve learned is that prioritizing God is a daily choice. Every day, we’re faced with decisions that pull our attention in a hundred different directions. It’s in these moments that we have to consciously choose to seek God first. As I’ve found, when I start my day with Him, everything else seems to fall into place. My interactions are more meaningful, my work feels more purposeful, and even when challenges arise, I know I’m not facing them alone.
Soul Insights
1. Your Relationship with God is the Foundation of Everything
Life has a way of pulling us in all directions, but when we make God our anchor, everything else becomes clearer. The peace that comes from knowing He’s in control is irreplaceable. Make time for God, and watch how He transforms every part of your life.
2. Busyness Can’t Replace Spiritual Fulfillment
Filling your schedule with work, commitments, and even good deeds won’t satisfy the deepest parts of your soul. Only God can fill that space. Take time to slow down, be still, and reconnect with Him.
3. God Uses People to Guide Us
Just as my coworker unknowingly guided me toward Los Angeles, God often speaks to us through others. Be open to the ways He might be guiding you through the people around you, even when you least expect it.
4. Faith Often Requires Stepping into the Unknown
Moving to Los Angeles without any connections was a leap of faith, but it was in that uncertainty that I learned to trust God more deeply. Sometimes, the path God calls us to requires stepping out of our comfort zone, but He always walks with us.
5. Daily Time with God Transforms Everything
Starting your day with God changes your entire perspective. It’s not just a good habit; it’s a lifeline. Prioritizing time with Him equips you to face whatever comes your way with peace, strength, and clarity.
Final Thoughts
In a world full of distractions and constant demands for our attention, putting God first isn’t always easy. But it’s in this intentional prioritizing of our relationship with Him that we find true peace, purpose, and fulfillment. When we seek God, everything else falls into place—not because our circumstances are suddenly perfect, but because we have a foundation that never wavers. Whether you’re facing a major life decision or just trying to make it through the day, remember to seek Him first. The blessings will follow, but more importantly, you’ll discover the deep joy of walking through life with God at the center.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, take a step back. Stop chasing after the world’s promises and start chasing after God. He promises that when we seek Him first, He will take care of the rest. Will you trust Him enough to let go of the chase?
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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