The circus is famous for balancing acts: a seal stabilizing a ball on its nose, elephants poised on small stools, lions leaping through flaming hoops of fire, as well as tight-rope walkers and trapeze artists, to name a few. Life is a balancing act as well. We even lose our balance and fall once in a while.
We often find ourselves thrown off center by confusion and catastrophe, which come when we least expect it. Like a spinning top, our normally peaceful life whirls out of control. We get disoriented and may feel insecure and fearful. We are inundated by chaotic circumstances and no longer experience balance.
Each compartment of our life, which we meticulously created to provide us with security and a safe-haven, unexpectedly and suddenly tilts to one side like the Tower of Pisa. Then, we panic and make poor decisions, reacting with negative emotions that create even more problems, and resort to pharmaceuticals that bring a whole new set of side effects.
When we depend on our human resources to manage the disruptions in our life, in our attempt to restore the equanimity we once enjoyed, we rarely find that sweet spot that makes us feel safe again. In fact, depending on humanism usually frustrates us and increases our negative emotions.
Another problem arises when we make deviant decisions because we fail to consult the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6). It is only as we trust in the Lord alone that His peace rules in our heart (Colossians 3:15-22). Our spending habits, unwise choices, and an adulterated lifestyle of impurity robs us of our serenity.
The testing of our faith is actually a blessing in disguise. When we experience various trials and remain faithful to the Lord, these matters produce in us a steadfast commitment to Him that leads to perfection. We are complete and lack nothing we need (James 1:4-8). We also find a balance between what people need from us and what God planned for us (Ephesians 2:10).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that worry never helped anyone (Matthew 6:25-34). Peace comes only by trusting You to order our life according to Your will. You generously provide all our needs, even when life disintegrates before our eyes. Exhort us to keep a positive attitude throughout difficulties and temptations (James 1:2-4). This way our patience has a chance to grow.
Patience prepares us for anything life throws at us. Adversity develops strong character in us, which helps us to withstand the disheartening uncertainty of life and to ward off the eventual panic when it arises. Teach us to keep our eyes on Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). By following the examples from His life, we learn how to successfully live our own life.
Thoughts for the Day:
Part of the problem that causes us unrest is the fact that we have too many possessions, interests, hobbies, commitments, and extra work in our vocation to help us to get ahead. We slowly crumble under the weight of the stress and demands. We owe it to our self to simplify our life, which reduces stress and demands, allows us to breathe deeply, and slows down the busyness in our daily schedule.
