I am sharing an edited version of a post written in 2011 ….
The word “balance” conjures up several ideas in my head..
- balance beam
- balance sheet
- weights and balance
- in the balance
- balancing act
They each speak of order or perspective. The dictionary defines “balance” as….”a state of equilibrium; a mental steadiness or emotional stability; a habit of calm behavior and judgment”.
Most people strive for balance. Some have more balance than others. We tend to think of a “balanced” person as being perfect in all areas. There are days it seems we are unable to maintain balance, in every area of our lives, every minute.
The question that has been weaving in my head the last few days is… What should balance look like in the life of a believer?
It was the third definition definition which caught my attention ”“ “a habit of calm behavior and judgment”. A habit? Does this mean balance is something which I can incline myself towards? Is it then possible that balance can become a tendency in my life? Can balance can be customary in my life?
Having a husband in the auto industry, it is only appropriate that I would be struck with this quote:
“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” (Brian Tracy)
Who of us does not want life to run more smoothly, requiring less energy? So the question now becomes, what is the balance that I need to maintain? Scripture tells us,
 “But the time is coming””indeed it’s here now””when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.  For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 23-24).Â
These are the very words of Jesus Himself. Jesus reiterates the words, “in spirit and in truth” twice.
“In spirit and in truth” means with a sincere mind, with a true heart, not with mere external rites.” (New Testament Lexical Aids).
As people, particularly as women, we are both intellectual and emotional beings. I need to balance both my intellect and my emotions even in my relationship with Christ. Too emotional and I will lean towards the experiential in my walk. Too intellectual and I will become legalistic in my walk. I want to find that balance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit with both my heart and my mind. As I become the kind of worshiper that Christ desires ”“ worshiping in spirit and in truth ”“ I will become a balanced woman, possessing calm and wise behavior and judgments.
“There’s no secret to balance. You just have to feel the waves.”
(Frank Hebert).
So while there may not be a formula by which we become balanced, may we feel His waves and thereby, become a balanced people.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Coffee For Your Heart and Women With Intention .
This is beautiful, Joanne. I chuckled with your husband’s quote … My man is a mechanical engineer and works on cars all.the.time. … I could hear my own husband sharing that. “Sensitivity to the Lord with my heart and my mind … Worshiping in spirit and in truth.” Good words this morning!
Diane, it wasn’t my husband’s quote but an author’s. I am glad it resonated with you too!
Amen to this, Joanne: “I want to find that balance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit with both my heart and my mind.” Love the song too … 🙂
Lois, I am so grateful that in these shifting days, it is possible to find balance in and through our Lord.
Balance is something I’m always striving for in my home and in my life. Having a bipolar spouse, and being a perfectionist myself, I well realize the importance of being balanced.
I loved this post, and especially this part: “Too emotional and I will lean towards the experiential in my walk. Too intellectual and I will become legalistic in my walk. I want to find that balance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit with both my heart and my mind.” Yes! I want that too!
It is amazing how too much of anything, no matter how good, will throw us off balance. But in Him, we will be perfectly balanced and aligned.
“you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance.” (Brian Tracy)”
I love the analogy and believe that it’s so true. I’ve been setting goals for the past several months, but am just starting to look deeper at my priorities and values and set goals according to those things first and foremost. I think doing this is going to do great things for “balance” in my life! Visiting from Women with Intention
Angela, I would agree with you. Goals can surely bring a balance to each day. They help us to tend to that which is truly important and waste less time. May you find that balance is increasing with the passing of each day. Blessings!