Balance verses Haste

If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:1-2 (Message)

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What I'm reading and my heart is hearing is a dependency upon God is ever needed in my life. The stratching through another 'to-do' list, the rushing through another conversation, meeting, or event won't do, it's not enough, I need more... I need God.

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What good is haste? Will long days and longer nights bring me joy, contentment, or peace? Are they not followed by another set of demands, schedules, and lists? Somewhere along the way I missed the signpost marked 'balance'. Have you?

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Why is it that with all the 'time-saving' gadgets in our lives that we are restless, anxious, lonesome, and weary? Maybe an old fashioned approach is needed, an approach that renews our hearts and minds toward balance.

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A balanced approach recognizes our need for wisdom. Wisdom is knowing what is right and then doing it. Ultimately, wisdom comes from God. So, why not start there? Start with God.

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Starting with God means paying attention to Him. What does His Word say to your heart? What is his Spirit whispering to your soul? How often does he whisper, 'be still', 'be quiet', and 'rest in me'.

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Find your rest in Christ and you will find balance in your life. Can He not help you with college, with work, with family, and with those out of balanced to-do lists? Is anything too hard for God?

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Rest in Christ and follow his to-do list. Speak an encouraging word. Write an uplifting note. Give to others and receive from Him contentment. Learn contentment and learn when to say 'no'. Distinguish between the need and want, between excellence and perfectionism, and between relationships and neediness.

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Our need is Christ and in him only will we find wisdom, contentment, peace, and the kind of relationship that fills our needs and makes our to-do lists manageable marked by balance and not by haste.