Watchword:
So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do,
do all for the honor and glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Meditation:
Spiritual Balance
Apostle Paul’s admonishment to pray without ceasing, which we conclude is an ongoing conversation with God throughout our daily lives. Joyce Meyer, in one of her evening devotionals, added a perspective on that theme which really struck me as something that we need to consider as we continue to live our human lives with it’s ups and downs. Meyer wrote that we have to have balance in our life, balance between our spiritual life, which encompasses time that we spend in prayer, in devotional reading, and so forth, and our earthly responsibilities, and challenges.
So how do we get out of balance between our spiritual life and the life that we are living, often with worry and fretting? I have been told that I spend too much time sitting, writing, and not much time exercising, organizing my garage or otherwise being active. You know, they are right. I believe the Lord has inspired me to write story and devotionals, and yet, so much more. In some ways I am out of balance, very little time spend enjoying life, enjoying my family; all gifts from the Lord, and therefore, out of balance.
The point that Meyer is making is that sometimes we get so caught up in living these lives of ours that we end up ignoring our spiritual side, and therefore live these lives without joy. It’s as if we are fearful of bothering God with our comings and goings, and the result is that our relationship with the Almighty is out of balance.
Myer Writes: “You can communicate with and enjoy Him while doing any number of earthly chores. He wants you to know you can talk with him throughout the day as well as in your prayer life. He is ever present and always available to fellowship with you and to help with your needs.”
To me, that sounds awful lot like praying, in the broadest sense of that word, and without ceasing. Maybe we should say it differently; maybe instead of praying without ceasing, we should be in constant fellowship with God at all times, in all ways. We might find Joy in even the most mundane, seemingly simple acts, we might even find joy doing the laundry, socializing with neighbors, walking through the woods, even sorting out the mess I have in my garage. We might find joy so pervasive that we burst into song. How about this one that comes to mind on this beautiful morning:
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Amen.
A Bit of Humor:
Gary was having a yard sale. A minister bought a lawn mower but returned it a few days later, complaining that it wouldn’t run. “It’ll run,” said Gary. “But you have to curse at it to get it started.” The minister was shocked. “I have not uttered a curse word in 30 years.” “Just keep pulling on the starter rope—the words will come back to you.”
Closing Prayer:
Dear God, at the start of each day, help us to recognize you above all else. Enlighten the eyes of our heart that we might see you, and notice how you’re at work through our lives, even in the simplest of tasks. Give us wisdom to make the best choices, fill us with a desire to seek after you more than anything else in this world. Let your Spirit and power breathe in us, through us, again, fresh and new. Restore to us our Spiritual Balance, in knowledge that you are greater than anything we may face in our day. Thank you that your presence goes with us, and that your joy is never dependent on our circumstances, but it is our true and lasting strength, no matter what we’re up against. We ask that your Spirit lead us, that it would guard our hearts and minds in you. We ask for your grace to cover our lives this day. We love you Lord…we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
