Balancing Act

How often have you been in a situation where there is not enough time in the day to do all the things you need to do (or think that you want to do)? Never, sometimes or most often the case? Well I can tell you that the latter seemed to be the norm for me almost every day. I almost never had the time I needed to get all the things I wanted done.

Stop right there! What did I just say? Let’s rewind that and look closely at the words that just came out of my mouth. I (that is to say me) almost never (my confession) had the time I (that is to say me again) needed to get all (everything) the things (things, as in cares of this world, obligations, needs, desires and life’s issues) I (as to say me again) wanted (things again) done. Where was God in any of this statement? And most certainly where was a positive confession in this statement? Yet I recited this sentence so many times during the day, day in and day out. And were the things that I wanted done getting done, and at what price.

My family could certainly tell you that they were on the short end of the stick on this one. Not only did I not invite God to help me, guide me and direct my day but I was using family time to meet the ever consuming clock monster to get what I felt needed to be done accomplished. I was distancing myself from my family and my God and was not being fulfilled in my work either – only one person was winning – the enemy.

Don’t think that the enemy is looking to devour the preacher or the evangelist or the missionary. He is looking to devour someone, anyone who is vulnerable to his schemes and that includes cares of this world as I have described above. I was leaving out the most important part of my day, fellowshipping with God, forsaking the very thing I needed to help meet the commitments and obligations that God would prioritize for me and thus make every day a fulfilling day. I was filling in the gaps and voids created by my own spiritual incompetence with the world’s way of doing things.

Peter says be well balanced, and be vigilant and cautious at all times – in other words – watch out, be prepared and ready for any seen or unforeseen situation that may arise. Balanced in both body and in the Word, rested physically and filled spiritually to handle the enemies schemes. This type of preparation can only come from spending time with God in prayer and purposing in your heart to commune with Him and let Him guide you.

When I do this my days go so much better. And when I purpose to do what God would have me to do and not what I feel is important to do, it somehow all gets done. And when I listen and obey I never say there is not enough time to do what is necessary. I have a stress free day.

So each day is a – Balancing Act – in that I have to first be obedient to God and to my family and then the things of this world (natural life commitments and obligations) and as long as I put God first I never fail (or fall).