The Secret to Balancing It All
What She Said - Part 6
Keri Papili, Guest Writer
Today’s Treasure
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:13
Yesterday, my mom talked about the idea of being available and how God is always available for us, no matter what. I have to admit, I have a hard time accepting that God is constantly free and open to hear my cries and be my strength. He is the God of the universe, yet He still cares for me and my needs. His timing and focus are intentional and He is never wearied or bothered when His children cling to him. It’s a beautiful truth that my finite mind cannot fully comprehend. My Type A mind immediately wonders in awe, “How does God balance it all?”
I have trouble finding the “perfect balance” between being available and being still. I want to be present and intentional for my loved ones, but I also want to focus on the task at hand. I’m a self-diagnosed perfectionist so in whatever I do, I want to give it my entire focus and attention. Because of this, I dislike being interrupted and find it difficult to switch between modes (e.g., “work mode” vs. “life mode”). Like many other women, I struggle daily with “balancing it all:” work, family, friends, serving in ministry, and spending time alone to name a few. Some moments, I am so overwhelmed with juggling my various roles and responsibilities that I feel like I simply cannot do it all. I want to throw in the towel and say, “Forget it! I’m trying but it’s not working.”
Recently, I had one of those days where I felt like I was in over my head and I was failing at the whole “perfect balance” thing. I didn’t feel like I was doing anything right and if I was physically juggling, I would’ve dropped every ball in my hands. My prayer to God was desperate. “Help me find balance!”
His answer was immediate. “Keri, you cannot do it on your own. Fully trust Me and I will carry you.”
It was a humbling reminder. When you try to carry your burdens by yourself, there is no such thing as balance. You are constantly worried, anxious, stressed, and afraid of failing. You cannot do it all on your own; no one can.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
As we wobble on shaky legs, God, in His love, sovereignty, and availability, holds out His hand and steadies us. He balances us and provides the strength we need to keep going. Matthew 6:33-34 says:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
God gives us the strength needed for each day. While we fret about all that needs to be done, God reminds us to be still. When we focus on God, we realize that He is indeed sovereign, and we can trust Him. No matter what comes our way, no matter how many hats we wear, no matter how many responsibilities we juggle, we are not alone. God is always available, always intentional, and always there to catch us when we fall.
The next time you feel overwhelmed with juggling all that is on your plate, be reminded of the simple truth in 1 Peter 5:7:
Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.