Living a Life in Balance

Living a Life in Balance

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall reminds us of the beauty of balance. The earth tilts, the seasons shift, and creation finds its rhythm again. In the same way, God invites us to live lives marked by balance—lives centered not on striving or worry, but on God.

In Matthew 6:33 (The Message), Jesus says: "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met."

This verse calls us back to what matters most. When our schedules overflow, when responsibilities tug us in a dozen directions, when worries threaten to weigh us down—Jesus’ words bring us clarity. The secret to balance isn’t found in doing more or managing harder; it’s found in putting God first.

Steeping Our Lives in God’s Reality

Just like tea draws its flavor from being steeped, our lives take shape from what we soak in. If we’re steeped in stress, our lives overflow with anxiety. But if we steep ourselves in God’s love, God's promises, God's presence—our lives will reflect God's peace and purpose.

Balance begins when God’s reality, not our fears or ambitions, defines our days.

God’s Initiative Over Our Own

We live in a world that praises self-reliance, but Jesus reminds us to trust God’s initiative. Balance doesn’t mean passivity—it means moving in step with the Spirit, not sprinting ahead or lagging behind. When we let God lead, our efforts find eternal meaning.

God’s Provision for Everyday Needs

The Message paraphrase assures us: “You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” God knows the bills we must pay, the meals we need to prepare, the children we raise, the challenges we face. Balance comes when we release our grip on scarcity and embrace God’s abundant provision.

A Call for This Season

As a church family, fall is a season to realign our hearts. It’s a time to remember that generosity, service, and worship flow out of God’s abundance, not our own striving. When we give—whether of time, talent, or financially—we are practicing balance: seeking first God’s Kingdom, trusting God to take care of the rest.

This fall let’s lean into Jesus’ invitation. Let’s steep ourselves in God’s reality, respond to God's initiatives, and rest in God's provision. That is the life of balance we are called to live—and it’s a life of joy.

Aubrey Novak