How Is Your Balance?

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

Ephesians 6:10-11

In a world of polarization and far extremes, balance, though it is a term we don't use every day, most would agree is critical to our well being. We often use terms like, "take a stand", "hold your position", "don't let them take you down", "balance your priorities", and a host of other phrases and words to describe our need for balance. I was reading a few articles this morning on injuries caused by imbalance, or in other words, falling down. Are you aware that more than 33,000 people died from falls in 2015.

The National Safety Council's Odds of Dying list ranks falls as the 6th most likely cause of death, with the odds of dying as 1 in 127. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal medically treated injuries in the U.S. Each year, over 8 million emergency room visits are due to slips, trips, and falls. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults age 65 and older. The point in all this is our need for balance is critical to health and well being.

One of my favorite Pastor Chuck Smith sayings comes to mind when I think about balance, "Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken". Learning how to balance yourself in the storms of life is often difficult and we learn quickly that life is a lot about learning to maintain balance, and often times our success is measured by our ability to stay upright, especially if we are going to stay the course. In sports, athletes work on balance continually and even a ship is of little value in the sea if it loses its balance and capsizes. Balance is critical to our stability, be it physically, financially, emotionally and yes spiritually too.

The New Testament book of Jude reminds us that even in shaky and unstable times we can still find our balance in Jesus Christ. Jude 1:24-25 says, "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen."

That's a great promise to stand on today, loved one, and a great reminder too for us to place our hope and trust in God. Take a step of faith today, do not fear to walk by faith and not by sight. Trust God, I mean really trust Jesus today and balance your life on the sure Word of God. We might slip here or there in our journey of faith but the Lord wont let you fall for as Jude reminds us that even when we slip, and trust me, we all do, Jesus will be there to catch you! Amen!

"You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip."

Psalms 18:36

I LOVE YOU!