Over the past weeks, I have learned some valuable lessons that arise out of some tragic situations. The most recent lesson that I learned is that we need to set our lives in the right perspective. Sometimes we tend to focus on the wrong things while we neglect to pay attention to the things that will affect our health and life.

What are some of the things that we need to give precedence?

We need to give priority to everything that will give you peace, happiness and contentment.

Your top priority is to give time to God. He is your Creator, and He holds your life in His hand. You cannot control the breath in your body. You cannot decide if you will wake the next morning. You cannot determine your future.

The future is unpredictable and you need to have a relationship with God now before the days of trouble.

In times of trouble, it ‘s hard to pray but when you live a life of integrity, and you are familiar with the Lord you can stand securely knowing that God is with you.

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say I have no pleasure in them; before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars darkened, and the clouds return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened… (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7).

It is important to build a relationship with your Creator while you are young and strong and in the days when you are healthy and prospering.

There will also be times of trials when there will be an economic slump and employment will be few, and your finances will be weak. During these times of tribulation, you will need Christ as your anchor to hold.

As the years pass, you will become older and physically weaker, and this is the time you will need your Creator as your strong tower because He will not forsake you when your hair is grey.

Your second priority is you. Some people give wholeheartedly to their family, friends and everyone around them, but they forget themselves. You need to spend quality time on yourself to nourish your body both physically and spiritually.

You can accomplish these things by eating healthy food, exercising and speaking the positive words of God over your life. Remember if you continue to neglect your body, your health will deteriorate and you will eventually die.

A dead man cannot help anyone. For in death, there is no remembrance of God, and you cannot give God thanks while in the grave. (Psalms 6:5).

Focusing on yourself does not mean you need to become self-centered. Selfishness is an evil spirit from the enemy that glorify the self as a result of greed and lust.

The third focus is your immediate family (spouse, children, and parents) and your place of abode. It is important that you build your dream home.

Your dream home should not be made with bricks or steel. You should build your dream home on the foundation of Jesus Christ with love, peace and unity as the building blocks.

Create an atmosphere in your home which is filled with laughter, comfort, happiness and contentment.

It is amazing how much stress and discomfort reside in many homes both among the rich and poor. You, the caregivers, are responsible for the atmosphere in your home.

You are in control, and you cannot cast the blame on anyone for the state of your home.

So take full responsibility for your home and ensure that everyone within your care is happy and contented.

God has called the man to be the head of the home. So if the home is miserable and filled with confusion; the Lord will hold the husband accountable.

Therefore, I implore every parent and guardian to set your house in order so that you and your household can live a full and abundant life.

Ephesians 5:23; Ecclesiastes 12; Hebrews 6:19; Psalms 71:9; Psalms 6