In the last article about finding balance, we learned that for the Christian, a balanced life is lived “knowing” within yourself that you are at the center of God’s will for your life. You are where you are supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to be doing in your time or life stage - in your place - using your gifts, talents, and resources - for those people God places in your life. In case you missed it, click HERE.
This article will begin a series of things you can do to get to balance - that sweet spot God has planned just for you. I love these verses that talk of God’s plans and perfect peace for those who are in Him:
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." (Isa. 26:3)
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11)
This is saying that when we grab hold of those plans God has for us and remain steadfast in our minds about them, God will keep us in peace. Amen!
Ok, so the best thing I can recommend to get to that sweet spot of God’s will is to first, learn about and remember what God’s priorities are and then align your life with them. This cannot be done, really, without digging into God’s word on a regular basis and getting a firm foundation about what matters to God. We do know this, from Matthew 22:37-39, when Jesus was asked by a teacher of the law which of the commandments of the law was the greatest, he answered that it was of utmost importance to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (in other words, your entire being), and also to love your neighbor as yourself.
Another way of saying this is that God’s highest priority for us is to have good relationships first with God, then our self and others. So that should be our highest priority too.
What I love about working for PTLB is that our team members live this out in our day-to-day walk and with our families and friends. We try our best to help other people understand that God wants peace for you - with Him, with your self, and with others.
Love God: You do that by establishing a relationship with him by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior (John 3:16; 35-36)
Love yourself: Live as a Child of God, work out your salvation, and pursue righteousness (Rom. 12:1-2; Phil. 2:12-16; Prov. 15:9, 21:21)
Love others: Love one another; in humility value others above yourself, serve others (John 13:34; 1 Cor. 13:1-3; Phil. 2:3; 1 Pet. 4:10)
In other words, people and the gospel matter more to God than achievement, power, fame, and material things (Mark 8:35-36). Aligning under God’s authority and practicing the things he teaches us about how to live stabilizes and balances life. When you do, it is possible to:
grow healthy and flourish;
live fulfilling and meaningful lives;
be successful, balanced, content, and joy-filled
I can’t recommend enough Gil Stieglitz’s new book, The Keys to Grapeness, a book that is so perfect for those who want a balanced and blessed life. It teaches you how to balance your actions to reflect your priority people. I have a copy and you can get one too by ordering HERE.
Next time, I will uncover more of God’s priorities so you can know how to adjust your life. This is one major key to balanced living.
Until next time,
Jennifer
P.S. I would love to hear from you about some of the ways you are dealing with imbalance or misaligned priorities. You can email me directly at jennifer.edwards@ptlb.com. Remember, a great life is only as great as its relationships!
P.S.S. Check out previous Life Is Relationships issues. Click here to visit our blog.
How to Be a Great Wife Class
Hurry! Starts September 20. Register today!
Join Jennifer Edwards as she teaches wives what husbands need and how to meet those needs, while at the same time getting her own needs met. Based on the book God's Radical Plan for Wives by Gil & Dana Stieglitz, this 7-week class is on Wednesday nights and is for women who are engaged, currently married, or want to be married again someday. Everyone is welcome. Classes held at Bayside@Adventure Church, Roseville, CA, at 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Discovery Corner. Thrive Kids is available with registration. Cost $15.