Have you ever considered what truly matters in life? I believe God has already given us a clear blueprint for our priorities, yet most of us overlook these fundamental truths while chasing less important goals.
The answer is simpler than you might think. God shows us what to prioritize through the basic functions necessary for survival. If you don’t breathe, you die. Yet how many of us consciously focus on our breathing? This essential function that keeps us alive rarely gets our attention.
The Hierarchy of Essential Needs
When I reflect on what God prioritizes for us, it becomes clear through a simple test: what happens if you don’t do it? If you don’t eat, you die. That tells me God considers eating extremely important. Not just the act of eating, but how and what we eat.
Similarly, drinking is critical. Without water, our bodies shut down. Sleep follows the same pattern – deprive yourself of it long enough, and you’ll die. These aren’t suggestions; they’re divine imperatives built into our very existence.
This realization transformed my approach to life. For 18 years, I’ve focused on becoming the best sleeper I can be. I even work with a sleep coach. Why? Because I recognize sleep as a divine priority, not a luxury or waste of time.
Energy Is Divine Currency
People often comment on my energy levels. I’m not necessarily in better shape than others. I’m not younger, stronger, or faster than everyone. What’s different is that I don’t interfere with the infinite energy God has provided me.
Most people block their natural energy through:
- Poor breathing habits that restrict oxygen flow
- Consuming foods that drain rather than fuel their bodies
- Drinking substances that dehydrate or intoxicate
- Sacrificing sleep for “productivity” or entertainment
When we honor these divine priorities, we unlock our full potential. We tap into an energy source that’s always been available but rarely accessed.
Intentional Living
My approach is straightforward: be intentional about these fundamentals every day, seven days a week. No exceptions. No “cheat days” from breathing well or sleeping properly.
This intentionality creates a foundation for everything else. Once you’ve honored these basic needs, you have about 12 hours of “wait time” each day to pursue other activities and goals.
Think about it – if you sleep 8 hours (as God designed you to) and spend 4 hours on proper breathing, eating, drinking, and self-care, you still have 12 hours to work, play, connect, and create.
A Different Perspective on Success
Many successful people pride themselves on sleeping only 4-5 hours a night or working through meals. They view these biological needs as obstacles to overcome rather than divine wisdom to embrace.
I’ve found the opposite to be true. By honoring what God prioritizes, I’ve become more effective, not less. My energy reserves are deeper. My thinking is clearer. My resilience is stronger.
When we align our priorities with divine design, we stop fighting against ourselves. We work with the grain of creation rather than against it.
The Challenge
I challenge you to reconsider your priorities. Are you giving proper attention to what God clearly shows matters most? Or are you sacrificing these essentials for things that ultimately matter less?
Start by being intentional about your breathing, eating, drinking, and sleeping every day. Make these non-negotiable priorities. Then use the remaining hours to pursue your other goals and responsibilities.
You’ll likely discover what I have – that honoring God’s priorities doesn’t limit your potential. It unleashes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can breathing be considered a priority when it happens automatically?
While breathing is automatic, how we breathe matters tremendously. Most people breathe shallowly, using only a portion of their lung capacity. Conscious, deep breathing increases oxygen flow, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. Being intentional about your breathing patterns can transform your energy levels and overall health.
Q: What makes sleep so important that you’d work with a sleep coach?
Sleep isn’t just rest—it’s when your body repairs itself, processes information, and recharges. Poor sleep quality or insufficient duration directly impacts cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical performance. Working with a sleep coach helped me optimize this critical recovery period, resulting in sustained energy throughout my day and improved overall health outcomes.
Q: How do you balance these basic priorities with work demands and social obligations?
I don’t view these priorities as separate from my work and social life—they’re the foundation that makes everything else possible. By protecting my sleep, being mindful about nutrition, hydration, and breathing, I actually have more energy and focus for work and relationships. Rather than competing priorities, I see them as enabling priorities that make me more effective in all areas of life.
Q: What practical steps can someone take to be more intentional about these basic needs?
Start by tracking your current patterns for a week—sleep duration and quality, eating habits, water intake, and breathing awareness. Then make small, consistent improvements: establish a regular sleep schedule, drink water first thing in the morning, practice deep breathing for 5 minutes daily, and plan nutritious meals ahead of time. Small changes consistently applied yield remarkable results over time.
Q: Isn’t focusing so much on basic needs like breathing and sleeping somewhat self-centered?
It’s actually the opposite. When you honor these divine priorities, you become more capable of serving others effectively. Think of it like the airplane oxygen mask instruction—secure your own before helping others. By maintaining your energy and health, you have more to give to your family, community, and work. Self-care in these fundamental areas isn’t selfish; it’s responsible stewardship of the resources God has given you.
