“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

The new school year is right around the corner, and I am sure we are all familiar with the common “back-to-school tips.” These tips may help us to stay organized, avoid procrastination and overall help us to feel less stressed as we strive to do our best academically.

While it is important to focus on academics and make them a priority, it is even more important to further our walk with the Lord during the school year. With this in mind, here are some tips that can help you make God your first priority this school year:

Spending time in the Word each morning can help you to set your intentions for the day and align your plans with God’s. With a busy schedule, your mornings may feel chaotic as you rush out the door. However, starting your day by spending time with the Lord, whether it is just for five minutes or an hour, can fuel you for the day. If you struggle to take this time in the morning, consider following a Bible reading plan, as it can help to give you a goal to work toward.

As Christians, it is important to be in fellowship with other believers. Not only will this help you to stay committed to the Lord, but it will also provide a support system when you go through hard times. In addition, being part of a Christian community can allow you to learn more about God and what it means to love others.

We all know how exhausting a long day at school can be. As you strive to keep up with your classes, extracurricular activities and maintain your relationships, it can be easy to feel worn out. For this reason, it is so important that we recharge by spending time with God. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who are labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” At times when we feel stressed, we can turn to God and He will provide us with the strength to continue.

Going into this new school year, I encourage you to incorporate these tips into your life. By making it a priority to follow God in all we do, we can bring Him glory.

Grand Canyon University is committed to integrating fait across all aspects of the GCU community. To learn more about GCU’s Christian identity and heritage, visit our website or use the Request More Information button at the top of the page.