DAY 156: Finding Balance

DAY 156

Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic

A series of daily reflections for people of faith

by Rev. Robert Bayley, Interim Pastor

Patuxent Presbyterian Church, California, Maryland

pastorrobert@paxpres.org

Week Twenty-three Monday 17 August 2020

Finding Balance

“So 2020 swept us off our feet and turned our lives upside down! Who would have known that we - our society would find ourselves over the months, quarantined to our homes and having to wear masks in public. This alone can affect our health and wellness drastically. We possibly are not eating right or getting enough exercise which leads to weight gain. We might find ourselves not exercising our mind with wholesome or productive thoughts which can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts. Not being able to be in contact with our church families can lead to spiritual decline… . A life out of balance is like a car with a flat tire … . A balanced life enables us to travel life’s highways and follow God wherever He wants to lead us.” - From the current edition of a local Christian newspaper

“Bodies in Balance” – it’s a physical therapy place in Wilmington, NC, where I was sent for recovery from major surgery and from the effects of a car accident. Physical therapists with earned doctorates in various aspects of physical therapy are all focused ultimately on one thing: helping those of us who go there achieve a better sense of physical balance for our wellbeing, our overall health and yes, for our safety. Yes, a good sense of balance is critical in our lives.   

Like so many things in the material world, there is a parallel spiritual principle for us to look at when it comes to balance. Balance is important to God: “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1, KJV. The imagery is that of a merchant who uses a scale with weights or balances to determine quantities he sells and prices he charges. When a merchant uses a weight or balance that is false, it is to his benefit, and is, therefore a lie. And God says this is an abomination to Him.

Part of being balanced is letting the Holy Spirit show us imbalances in our lives so we can engage in an inner adjustment as needed. It takes a humble and teachable heart to follow this inner working of the Holy Spirit, but the result in our character is well worth the effort. 

Reflective question: Where does God want to address imbalance in your life? Will you let Him?

Reflective Scripture: Psalm 139:23 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”

Reflective hymn:

“Breathe on Me” – Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)

Holy Spirit, breathe on me, my stubborn will subdue;

Teach me in word of living flame what Christ would have me do.

Breathe on me, breathe on me, Holy Spirit breathe on me;

Take Thou my heart cleanse ev’ry part, Holy Spirit, breathe on me.