The problem with running the rat race is that even if you’re winning, you’re still just the “lead rat.”
Many of us live at an unsustainable pace. If we keep it up, we’re eventually going to crash—physically, mentally, spiritually, or all of the above.
Running on Empty
Take a moment and think about your “average” day. How much sleep do you get? Do you have difficulty shutting down your mind? When was the last time you felt genuinely rested?
How healthy is your diet? Do you take time to savor and enjoy a meal with family, or do you eat while working on or thinking about other things?
Is time your friend or a foe to be conquered? Do you rush from one task to the next without fully processing what you’ve just done? Are you constantly juggling personal demands, family responsibilities, and job requirements?
And what about your spiritual disciplines? Does your devotional life consist merely of a quick read from a devotional email? Are your only prayers offered before a meal or right before you need something from God?
Those are tough questions. Hopefully, you’ve stayed with me this far. Believe me, I’ve had as much trouble typing them as you may have had reading them.
Spiritual Balance Requires Intentionality
Living with a healthy spiritual and physical balance doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality and effort. It’s no wonder Paul instructed Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:7 to train himself for godliness.
The word translated “train” is the same Greek word from which we get our English word “gym” and related terms. It describes the ongoing discipline of an athlete preparing for competition.
Just like an athlete, we need an intentional, specific, and rigorous plan to maintain spiritual balance. I can’t help you much with diet and exercise, nor am I qualified to speak to psychological health.
But I can offer some thoughts about spiritual balance. And I believe that when we get our spiritual priorities in order, we’re better equipped to address the other areas of life in a healthier way.
Psalm 46:10 provides a foundation for building an intentional plan for spiritual balance.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
From Psalm 46:10, we can identify three useful practices to help us find spiritual balance amid the stress of daily life.
1. “Be Still…”
The verb translated “be still” carries the idea of letting go, relaxing one’s grip, or ceasing to struggle. In order to bring balance to our lives, we have to let go of the things we’re striving to control and make time to be alone with God.
The hectic pace of our lives doesn’t naturally allow for downtime. We have to intentionally make room for it and faithfully protect that time.
Right now, decide when you will schedule time with God in your day. Make it an appointment, and resolve not to “no-show” on God.
2. “Be Still and KNOW…”
Spiritual balance involves trusting what we know more than what we feel.
We may feel the need to be in control. Or we may feel that situations in our lives are hopeless. Our feelings, while very real to us, don’t always accurately reflect reality.
Commit to a Bible reading and meditation plan that involves more than just a quick verse on the run. Spend time in God’s Word and reflect on what it teaches you about Him, His work of grace, and the ways He is at work around you.
Lean into what you know more than what you feel.
3. “Be Still and Know That I AM GOD…”
One of the most important things to know about God is that He is not US. He is God!
When life seems out of control, it’s comforting to remember that HE is always in control.
He will be exalted. His sovereign purposes will prevail, even in the everyday affairs of life. And we can rest assured that when all is said and done, He will come out on top. Victory is assured.
We gain spiritual balance when we remember that victory doesn’t depend on us. We are active participants, but God is the ultimate victor.
Finding Your Balance
Sometimes, the rat race of life causes us to lose our focus and, as a result, our balance.
The key to living with healthy spiritual balance is to slow down, focus on God, live dependently on Him, and leave the results to Him.
I hope this has been encouraging and helpful. Feel free to use the Comments section to share how it has encouraged you or some ways you’ve found to slow down and focus on Him.
Some additional resources: (click on the links below)
Daily Bible Reading Plan through Philippians
Daily Bible Reading Plan through Colossians