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Reflections
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of life and struggled to find balance? You are not alone. As we navigate through life, we desire to stay grounded in our faith and not lose sight of who we are in Christ. The following are a few basic principles we can use to maintain a sense of balance:
Sabbath Rest
Ultimately, our rest is not found in a specific “Sabbath Day” but in Christ. He has promised us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). When your world feels off, run into His presence.
It is not my intention to provide a study on the Sabbath. However, I think we miss something important when we only think of the Sabbath as a day of abstaining from physical activity or busyness. The Sabbath is not really about us; it is for God. It is a time we set aside to honor Him, worship Him, and spend time in His presence.
If you’re involved in any level of ministry, Sundays are definitely not a day of physical rest. Can I get an “Amen”? However, a form of Sabbath or rest is still achieved because even in the busyness of the day, we find rest for our souls as we work for Him and spend time in His presence. It’s a bit of a paradox, but I’ve found it true that as I serve Him, He gives me rest. While my body may not be resting, I find rest for my mind and spirit in these moments.
Whether on a Sunday, during private devotion, while driving, or as we do our chores at home or work, we can reap the benefits of focusing on Him even in chaos.
Physical Rest
Physical rest is also necessary and a principle of the Sabbath that we must pursue. I have found rest in simple activities like taking a walk, a bicycle ride, or a horseback ride and simply enjoying God’s creation.
We can find physical rest by reading or listening to books in a quiet place or outside in nature. Taking a break from devices and being intentional about spending quality time with our spouses, children, and friends will refresh us in a way scrolling never will.
Purpose in Struggles
We truly understand balance when people or circumstances no longer dictate our sense of rest and stability in life. We can find purpose even in the struggles of life because no matter the curveballs life throws our way, He knows the way we take, and we can trust Him to order our steps.
Remember, God ordains every season of your life; choose to make the most of it, and do not waste your pain. Even times of sorrow, health challenges, disappointments, and loneliness have a purpose. These seasons can allow reflection, rest, and time to study, prepare, and hone gifts. We don’t have to feel off-balance even in times of struggle because He works all things for our good.
We cannot control the seasons of life, but proper reactions and responses can ensure joy and peace no matter the details, good or bad. Galatians 6:9 (ESV) reminds us not to “grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Boundaries and Flexibility
At times, we must learn to set boundaries with people. There are polite ways to decline requests and invitations. Communicating expectations and setting boundaries is vital. Balance is not about an equal amount of time spent here or there. It is often more about being fully present, even if the time is limited.
We can also find balance in flexibility and a willingness to pivot or change courses when needed. Although plans and schedules are great, some of our best family times have been last-minute ideas when we dropped everything and made it happen.
Rhythm
Life is like a musical piece rising, falling, resting, and pausing. There is a rhythm. Life has a rhythm that includes highs and lows, times of busyness, and times of rest. Accepting the ebb and flow of life and looking for God even in tough times means we can live in His rest. As the psalmist did in Psalm 16:5 (HCSB), we must say, “Lord, you are my portion and my cup of blessing; you hold my future.” He has a plan for you; trust and allow Him to order your steps.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) declares, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” In the rhythm of life, stay determined to keep your eyes on Jesus and give yourself grace. God wants to prosper you and bring you peace.
Finding balance in life is a journey that requires intentionality and reliance on God. Ultimately, it involves finding inner peace that is not disrupted by circumstances. In the middle of it all, He is our rest.
STEPHANY PARKEY and her husband of thirty-two years, Bill Parkey, pastor GraceLife Pentecostal Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She is an anointed worship leader, speaker, and mentor. A mother of four married children and MiMi to six grandchildren, she also loves animals and enjoys reading.
