Submitted by David Miller
Are there days when you feel that your life has gotten out of balance?
Between working long hours at the office, rushing to get the children off
to school, or serving in the church, have you felt that there are just not
enough hours in the day to get it all done? You are not alone. Many
of us feel the pressures of everyday life more and more these days.
Sometimes we are especially sensitive to how full our days have become
and how little we seem to accomplish during “normal” waking hours. If you
are feeling this way, then it’s probably a good time to take inventory of your
life so that you can get back on track.
We’ve all heard that
our life needs “balance”. However,
hearing that phrase is one thing. Living that principle is quite another
in our often-hectic world. The solution can often feel elusive,
especially once our lives have gotten off a healthy path.
A Christian’s
perspective to having a balanced life begins by examining your relationship
with God. Do you seek His wisdom often or are you trying to go through
life on your own? The more intimate your relationship with God, the more
faith you have that He will help you find this ever-elusive balance. Paul tells us to, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well.” Matthew
6:33 (NIV)
Often we are plagued by
a need to “control” our environment and our lives. Looming deadlines at
work and conflicts with our spouse, our families, or people with whom we work
are just a few examples of circumstances that can cause our lives to feel “out
of control”. By seeking His Kingdom first, God can then begin to assist you in
receiving what you need to live life more fully and more balanced. Look at this promise from Christ, “And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek,
and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks
receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be
opened.” Luke 11:9-10 (ESV)
Your faith in allowing
God to help you through all aspects of your life will expand as you begin to
understand God’s wisdom and His plan for you. As your faith grows, you
will begin to experience a positive change in your life. Once the change
occurs, you will begin to recapture the “balance” you’ve been missing.
As your life becomes
more in synch with God, you will realize that even in times of struggle your
life will continue to be balanced if your focus remains on Him. It
doesn’t mean that you won’t have to work at keeping focused. You will!
We are humans and as such, we will tend to go back to what we know.
Trying to do it all ourselves! In time, however, we will learn that our first
instinct should be to call on God. Don’t be discouraged! It just
takes a little practice and it is time well spent toward leading a healthy and
balanced life.
