Tonight I was walking into the grocery store after a long day of volunteering at my son’s school, which I love to do. I started to think about how we are all so overcommitted, overworked, overtired and, for some, just over God. We are going through the motions: work, school, sports, dinner, and off to bed–only to get up and do it all again.
Are we losing out on the intimacy in our marriages because we are so stressed out and too busy to take time for each other?
Are we losing out on the relationships with our children because we are too busy running after a career or money, or are we just overcommitted because we can’t say NO?
Is there no balance in families anymore because we have felt we always need to be going, doing, and getting involved in something?
Satan loves when we are so distracted that we have no time for God, family, or ourselves. We are slowly burning out. I know, I’ve been there, and it took having a breakdown to stop and look at what was really important in my life.
What is balance? One definition is the stability of one’s mind or feelings, the ability to remain in a steady position without falling. In my own words, it’s everything in moderation: knowing when to work hard, play hard, and rest hard.
God is balance. God is not overcommitted, and even He rested on the seventh day.
God doesn’t want us involved in everything, for when we are overdoing it, we are distracted from what truly matters: our relationship with Him. When that is out of balance for me, so is my life. Do you find that too?
Mornings can feel so rushed that it’s hard to begin our day with God. At night we often feel so exhausted that we just collapse. Some mornings I find myself lying in bed and praying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” because I’m too tired to get up.
There’s something wrong with that picture. No one is benefiting from that! I know when I miss out on my quiet time, my prayer time, my devotional time, that I am unbalanced and easily annoyed. I’m easily distracted and not walking in God’s will. It only puts me in danger for the enemy to gain a stronger hold. I have learned over time that if I don’t make time for God, I lose my peace, joy, and contentment.
I always have to remind my family and myself that if we can make time for other things, then we need to have a joyful attitude in the presence of God and make time for Him.
I know at times it’s not easy, for life can be so demanding. Some days I fall short, and that’s okay, for God sees our hearts. I started with a good devotional five minutes a day. I talk to God all day as well, for He walks with us.
Maybe you’re not sure how to fit that time in? Find a good devotional that has scripture readings and start there. Turn to Psalms and read a scripture a day and try to meditate on it throughout the day. Even just sitting quietly with Him with no agenda is some of the best prayer time I’ve had. Some might say wake up a half hour early, but that has not worked for me, for I am a sleepyhead–but I do try!!! You will find your rhythm; just know that what’s most important is your time with God, which does not have to be perfect.
We need to stay strong, wear our armor, feed our sprit with His word, worship and sit in His presence. This is my recipe for finding balance, peace, and joy in the chaos of this manic world.
Let’s simplify our life and find the balance we need to stay close to God.
Blessings,
Jill
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DW Says :
Good article Jill. One of my former pastors gave a message on “Margin” Just as we may have a bible with large margins around the edge to take notes, and refer to other passages. We too need margin.
This particular pastor is/was a type A personality. A very driven individually striving to be his absolute best at everything he did. He admitted openly he moved from pursuit of excellence to near obsession with perfectionism. His life and his health nearly took a turn for the worst. He even slipped into depression. He now recognizes he has an ongoing battle with depression and has accepted that. He also knows now the importance of margin. We must have that alone time, we must have that time with fellowship with God, family and close loved ones. None of that should be sacrificed for the sake of perfectionism or obsession with excellence. We have one life, we have one body, and we will not look back and say I wish I spent more time at the office. It is the eternal things that are most important as it is with our health, and our dear loved ones.
I do believe in the pursuit of excellence. However I have learned to not dwell on perfectionism. I have lost a lot from mistakes, and the addictive craving of being driven in all that I do. I had to learn the hard way that what is truly important. And that is time with God, taking care of the one body I have, my children, my closest friends and family. It is good to be excellent at what you do, however it is never good if it sacrifices your health, and important relationships.
As shared we know God rested on the 7th day, and he was the Creator of the Universe. Jesus even rested and needed time alone. He slept and he even wept. And He was God manifested in the flesh.
Balance and margin is the key. Priorities of what is most important.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Alicia
This is so true Jill! It can even happen to those of us who supposedly have more time on our hands. A very timely reminder, Good job! 🙂
JHappy
Thank you for encouraging me tonight! I feel the same way when… No time for God = stress and chaos in my life. Time for God = Balance! I’m learning every day…