A continuation of the Living Life on Purpose for His Glory series
Have you ever been so busy doing good things for God that you forgot to just be with Him?
It’s easy to do. We get swept into a life filled with responsibilities—family, ministry, work, and serving. And in the middle of it all, we may even feel like we’re living on purpose.
But sooner or later, the joy runs dry. Serving, living, and doing begin to feel more like an obligation. Joy and life seem to fade away. Our “yeses” become heavy, and the mission starts to feel more like a burden than a blessing. That’s when we need to pause and remember this: first things first — spend time in His presence.
Because the truth is: we can’t live a full life or a purpose-filled life if we’re disconnected from the One who gives it.
Seek First the Kingdom
Jesus gave us a clear starting point in Matthew 6:33:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
He didn’t say seek Him after the day settles down, or if there’s time left. He said first.
When we build our days and decisions around Him, everything else begins to fall into its rightful place. Purpose flows from presence. Clarity flows from connection.
Mary Knew What Mattered Most
In Luke 10, we find two women—Mary and Martha—both welcoming Jesus into their home. Martha was preparing. Serving. Busy doing “good” things. But Mary? She simply sat at His feet, listening. Martha was upset that Mary wasn’t helping and asked Jesus to tell her to help. And Jesus said:
“Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41–42)
Jesus wasn’t condemning Martha’s service. He was redirecting her heart.
Being with Him will always matter more than doing for Him. Doing for Him should be an overflow from spending time with Him.
Apart from Me, You Can Do Nothing
In John 15, Jesus describes Himself as the True Vine, and we are the branches.
He says, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5) That verse hits deep.
Not “you can do less.”
Not “you’ll be a little tired.”
But: nothing.
If we’re going to live on purpose—bearing fruit that lasts, abiding in the vine, walking in our calling, staying grounded in joy—it all begins with remaining in Him. Not in a rushed prayer or a Sunday service. But a daily, continual, real connection.
How Do We Stay Connected? (First Things First)
So what does that actually look like? How do we remain in Him when life pulls in every direction?
Here are three first things—three anchors that keep us grounded in His presence:
- Prayer: Real, Ongoing, Honest Conversation
Not a performance. Not a checklist. Just real conversation with your Father. Prayer is where we align our hearts with His, where we pour out and listen, where we receive strength and direction for the day.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
- The Word: Your Daily Bread
God’s Word is not optional fuel for purpose—it’s essential. When we soak in Scripture, we gain wisdom, clarity, comfort, and conviction. We hear His voice more clearly and walk more confidently.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Don’t wait for the perfect morning or the quiet house. Just start. One verse. One psalm. One passage. Let His truth anchor you before anything else tries to define your day.
- Fellowship with Other Believers: Fuel for the Journey
Living on purpose is not a solo mission. We were made to walk together—encouraging one another, praying for one another, sharpening each other in love.
“Let us not neglect meeting together… but encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Join a Bible study. Call a prayer partner and pray together. Invite someone to coffee and speak life into each other. God often uses people to strengthen your purpose.
Living on Purpose Starts in His Presence. Here’s the truth I’m learning over and over again:
You can’t live on purpose unless you’re abiding in Him. It’s not about doing more for God. It’s about doing everything with Him. When you begin your day at His feet like Mary… When you remain in the Vine like the branch…When you seek Him first and not as an afterthought…
That’s where true purpose begins.
And that’s when fruit starts to grow. Fruit that lasts. Fruit that feeds others. Fruit that brings Him glory.
“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.” (Psalm 1:3, NLT)
First Things First: Spend Time in His Presence
Before we talk about stewarding time or setting goals or managing health, let’s get this part right:
Stay close to Him.
Rooted in His Word.
In step with His Spirit.
Surrounded by His people.
Because apart from Him, we can do nothing. But with Him? We can live on purpose, for His glory—and the world gets a glimpse of His goodness.
So let’s remember: first things first, spend time in His presence, and watch how everything else finds its rightful place.
Ready for a simple, practical way to make Him first? Discover the one morning habit that can change your life forever.
A Prayer to Keep First Things First
Lord, You are the Vine, and I am the branch.
Teach me to remain in You.
Help me to start each day in Your presence—before the noise, the needs, and the demands.
Let prayer, Your Word, and the community of believers be my anchors.
I want to live on purpose, but I know it begins by staying connected to You.
Thank You for inviting me to sit at Your feet and seek You first.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.