First Things First: Returning to What Matters Most

August is the perfect time to pause, reset, and realign with what matters most. Here’s a soul-centered reflection to help you do just that.

There’s something about August - a subtle shifting of pace, a quiet invitation to reflect. Whether you’re preparing for a new school year, navigating a life transition, or simply feeling the pull to realign, this season offers a sacred opportunity:

To pause. To evaluate. To put first things first.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 come as both a gentle reminder and a powerful re-centering:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

When life gets busy or cluttered, it’s easy to chase productivity over peace, hustle over wholeness, or even good things that may not be God things. But flourishing doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what matters most - with intention, grace, and God’s presence leading the way.

Let this month be a reset. Not the kind that comes from pressure or performance - but a soft, Spirit-led return to simplicity.

Take a few quiet moments to reflect:

• What truly matters in this season of my life?

• What have I said, "Yes" to that no longer aligns with my values or calling?

• Where do I need to reorder my time, heart, or energy to reflect what matters most?

These questions are invitations. An invitation to living with intention. Because every "yes" to what’s essential is a "no" to what’s just noise. And in that clarity, we create margin for joy, space for peace, and room to flourish again.

Prayer: "Father, thank You for Your gentle invitation to seek You first. In a world full of noise, demands, and distractions, help me to quiet my heart and realign with what matters most. Give me the clarity to discern what to carry and what to release. Fill me with peace as I reorder my days, and give me the courage to say yes to the best and no to the rest. May my life reflect Your love and Your priorities, not the world’s. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

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Editor's Note:

This devotional blog is by Jen Stone-Sexton, Author, Speaker, Christian Life & Fitness Coach, and Founder. Jen has openings for a select number of new clients. Learn more about Jen and what Freedom to Flourish Life Coaching has to offer you.

Jennifer C. Stone-Sexton © 2025

All graphics created by Jen Stone-Sexton © 2025

All Rights Reserved.

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Credits:

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.