CREATING PURPOSFUL BALANCE
A Christ Centered Approach to Daily Structure
Most often, I write about my own personal struggles or convictions. This one, however, is a little bit of both. I say yes to too many things because, truthfully, they are “good things.” However, what I am beginning to realize is that just because it’s good doesn’t mean it’s mine to take on. Can you relate? If so, here are a few Biblical Truths we can rest in as we create a balanced approach to our days that stewards our time to honor God in all things.
Begin with Prayer:
Pray and ask God to open your eyes to things you need to remove from or possibly add to your schedule. Every day is a gift He has given us to live for Him and His plan for our lives.
“In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6
God Comes First
Give God the first moments of every day, allowing Him to fill you up with His love so you can then pour that love out to others. Disciplining your time in a way that prioritizes Him to be first in all things has a way of balancing out everything that follows.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Lead by Example
Dads and Moms, take a look at the order within your home. As parents, it is our responsibility to create an environment that displays to our children that God is first. If we allow extracurriculars to run us ragged in a way that frustrates our family and hinders our walk with God, it’s time to reexamine. By no means do I think that extracurriculars are wrong or sinful —on the contrary, I think they can be very healthy for the entire family. However, if they are placed in a position in front of their relationship and devotion to God, then it may be time to reconsider the importance of their role.
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s ok to say no. Just because something is good doesn’t mean that it’s good for you to say yes to. We all have an allotted amount of time each day, and adding something when we are already stressed out about our current schedules does no good. Sometimes, we feel God leading us to remove something currently in our schedule to make room for something else.
The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Take time to rest
I have never read any passage in the Bible that portrays Jesus to be rushing from place to place to accomplish as much as possible in one day. He approached every moment intentionally for His purpose. He invested full attention to what or who was in front of Him. He brought others in to assist Him in His mission. And He rested. Rest isn’t wasteful; it’s restoring. Our bodies and minds are not meant to be run ragged day in and day out. It’s important that we set aside time to rest peacefully with our Father.
Truthfully, I’m just a work in progress day by day. I’m continually tempted to pick up what God said to lay down, say yes when I should have said no, work too late to check off one more box, and wake up tired and frantically rushing. But through prayer and daily surrender to God and His plan for my life, I’m learning to put Him first, begin my days with prayer, lead by example, set healthy boundaries, and set aside time to rest. I know it seems elementary, but Truth isn’t complicated. Allowing impossible demands in our lives will completely drain us, but balancing our lives with Christ and His purpose brings peace, hope, and joy.
Joyfully HIS
Jennifer N. Pearson