Realigning Your Heart to Put God First

It’s usually easy to recognize when we need to realign with God after a clear misstep or sin—we feel the disconnect and know something is off. But it’s far more subtle—and often more common—when we’re comfortable, doing “good” things, and seemingly on track. In those seasons, other priorities can quietly edge God out of first place in our hearts without us even noticing. We may still go through the motions of faith, but stress, overwhelm, busyness, discouragement, or physical exhaustion become the signals that something deeper has shifted.

How can we tell if we’ve “edged God out” (EGO)?  

When life feels heavy with stress, overwork, unhappiness, sickness, anxiety, or a persistent sense of being overwhelmed, it’s often a sign that other things—good or not-so-good—have taken priority over our relationship with God. We’re trying to carry and solve everything with our limited human understanding instead of leaning on divine wisdom and strength.

How do we know when God truly holds first place as our “first love”?  

It’s simpler than we sometimes make it: listen to your heart compass. When you think about fully surrendering to God—releasing control, outcomes, and even your deepest attachments—does peace flood in, or does resistance rise up? That inner feeling is your guide. If resistance appears, that’s okay—gently release your grip a little at a time. With patience and practice, your heart can realign.

Why does this realignment matter so much?  

When God is our top priority, life becomes happier, more peaceful, more purposeful, and far more aligned with our divine potential. Clear communication flows both ways—promptings are easier to hear, answers come more clearly, and burdens feel lighter because they’re carried with Him.

The Bible gives us a powerful example in the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 21–22). To me, this isn’t primarily a story of harsh divine testing or blind obedience. It’s a profound lesson in heart priorities—reorganizing what we love most so God comes first, restoring open pathways of trust and connection.

God had fulfilled Abraham’s deepest longing: a son born to him and Sarah in old age, the child of the covenant promise. Abraham loved Isaac dearly. Yet God asked Abraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice.

“And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.” (Genesis 22:2)

Abraham obeyed, though his heart must have ached. He prepared, traveled with Isaac, built the altar, bound his son, and raised the knife—fully willing to give what he loved most. At the last moment, an angel stopped him: Abraham had shown he would withhold nothing from God. In that moment of surrender, his heart was fully aligned.

This story is not about a demanding God bullying us into submission. It is about testing and deepening the connection of our hearts to Him. It is about learning to trust—completely—that God always acts for our ultimate good, even when we cannot see the full picture. And it foreshadows the greatest sacrifice of all: Heavenly Father giving His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem and reconnect us to Him forever.

How do we apply this in our daily lives?  

So often we say we have faith, but our actions reveal where our true priorities lie. A friend once told me, “I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, but I’m so busy with family and work…I can’t make it to church.” I gently invited him to show himself the true measure of his love for God: Can we sacrifice a few hours to pray, study scriptures, serve, and worship—even when life feels full? Can we obey when the outcome is unclear?

Our physical actions are powerful—they reset our heart’s priorities and reinforce the beliefs we want to live by. Actions speak louder than intentions alone. Pure desires are beautiful, but misaligned thoughts and habits can linger until our behavior shifts to match our highest values.

If you’re feeling sick, overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged, hear this with love: Realign. Reset your heart so God comes first—no matter what. When you do, an amazing, almost immediate peace often settles in. Things begin to fall into place in ways better than you could have planned or imagined. It may feel difficult at first, but once you learn this skill of surrender, it becomes infinitely liberating. You’ll never be quite the same again.

Here are four powerful steps to walk through your own Abraham-Isaac Heart’s Priority Challenge:

1. Write down what currently occupies your heart’s space.

List your deepest loves, fears, worries, attachments, goals, relationships—everything taking up emotional or mental room. Be honest and specific.

2. Imagine surrendering it all on the altar to God.

Picture placing every single item—people, dreams, fears, plans—onto the altar. Release them completely until your heart feels empty, open, and surrendered. Allow any resistance to surface, then breathe through it with faith.

3. From that place of nothingness, choose again.

Decide: Do you still want to commit to God first? Will you allow Him to be your top priority, your first love, your guide in all things?

4. If yes, entrust it all back to Him—and more. 

Fully open your heart. Trust that God will return what is good for you, often multiplied, refined, and blessed beyond what you could ask or imagine. He knows your heart’s true desires better than you do.

This challenge isn’t about losing what you love—it’s about gaining the freedom, peace, and clarity that come when God holds first place. Everything else finds its proper, joyful place in His hands.

Essential oils to support divine connection and heart realignment: Rose, Frankincense, Sandalwood.