In our fast-paced, ever-demanding world, the call to “Turn to what truly matters” feels both timely and timeless. It’s a gentle yet profound reminder to pause, take stock of our lives, and refocus on the things that hold eternal value. But what does this really mean? How do we discern what truly matters when we’re pulled in so many directions? And how can we realign our hearts and lives with God’s priorities when we feel overwhelmed or distracted?
This quote invites us into a deeper reflection—not just about what we’re doing, but why we’re doing it. It’s not about adding more to our already full plates but about clearing space for what is truly essential. It’s about living with intention, guided by God’s wisdom and grace.
What Truly Matters?
When we strip away the noise and distractions of life, what remains? For Christians, the answer is beautifully simple: God. Our relationship with Him is the foundation upon which everything else is built. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”
At its essence, turning to what truly matters means prioritizing love—love for God, love for others, and even love for ourselves as children of God. It means seeking His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), trusting that when we do, everything else will fall into place.
But here’s the challenge: life often makes it hard to focus on these eternal truths. We get caught up in the urgent at the expense of the important. We chase after success, approval, or comfort, only to find ourselves feeling empty or unfulfilled. That’s why this quote is so powerful—it calls us back to center, back to God.
Why Do We Lose Sight of What Matters?
It’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters because life doesn’t come with a pause button. We live in a culture that glorifies busyness and measures worth by productivity. Social media bombards us with images of people who seem to have it all together—perfect careers, perfect families, perfect lives—and we feel pressured to keep up.
But beneath these surface-level distractions lie deeper struggles:
- Fear and Anxiety: We worry about the future—our finances, health, relationships and these fears can consume our thoughts.
- Comparison: When we measure our lives against others, we often focus on what we lack rather than what we have.
- Disconnection: In our pursuit of worldly success or comfort, we may unintentionally drift away from God and from meaningful relationships.
These challenges are real, but they’re not insurmountable. God doesn’t expect us to navigate them alone; He invites us to lean on Him for strength and guidance.
How Can We Turn Back to What Matters?
The good news is that no matter how far we’ve strayed or how distracted we feel, it’s never too late to turn back to God and refocus on what truly matters. Here are some practical steps to help you realign your heart:
1. Start with Prayer
Prayer is where transformation begins. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just an honest conversation with God about where you are and where you want to be. Ask Him for clarity about your priorities and courage to make changes where needed. As Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In stillness, we find His voice guiding us back to what matters most.
2. Examine Your Heart
Take time for self-reflection. What are you chasing right now? Is it success? Approval? Comfort? Ask yourself if these pursuits align with God’s will for your life. Remember Jesus’ words in Mark 8:36: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
3. Simplify Your Life
Sometimes turning to what matters requires letting go of what doesn’t. This might mean saying no to commitments that drain you or stepping away from activities that don’t align with your values. Simplifying isn’t about doing less—it’s about making room for more of God.
4. Invest in Relationships
Relationships are at the heart of God’s design for our lives—our relationship with Him and our relationships with others. Make time for meaningful connections with loved ones. Listen deeply, forgive freely, and love generously.
5. Live With Gratitude
Gratitude shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s already present in our lives. When we thank God for His blessings—big and small—we’re reminded of His faithfulness and provision.
A Personal Reflection
I’ll be honest—this isn’t always easy for me either. There are days when I feel overwhelmed by my own responsibilities or distracted by things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of eternity. But every time I take a step back and choose to focus on God—to spend time in prayer or immerse myself in Scripture—I’m reminded of His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
One moment that stands out was during a particularly stressful season in my life when I felt like I was juggling too many things at once—work deadlines, family obligations, personal goals—and failing at all of them. A friend gently reminded me: “You don’t have to do it all; you just have to do what matters.” That simple truth helped me let go of unnecessary burdens and turn my attention back to God.
Encouragement for Today
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected today, take heart: God sees you right where you are, and He’s inviting you into His rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Turning to what truly matters isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about seeking His presence in every moment.
Let this be your prayer today: Lord, help me turn away from distractions and toward You. Teach me to seek Your kingdom first and trust that You will provide everything I need.
Read More About This Quote
Daily Devotional: “Make Life Worthwhile”
Words of Wisdom: Deeply Engaged, Deeply Loved: A Life Anchored in Faith
Final Thought
The beauty of this journey is that it’s never too late to begin again. Every day is an opportunity to turn toward what truly matters—to love more deeply, live more intentionally, and walk more closely with God.
So today, let this quote inspire you not just as a thought but as a call to action: Turn to what truly matters. In doing so, you’ll find peace for your soul and joy that endures beyond life’s fleeting moments.
