Balance-(n) “Even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady.”

I recently spent an afternoon on a paddleboard for the first time.  I watched others effortlessly (or so it seemed) gliding through the water, all graceful and strong.  Because it looked so easy, I was surprised at how shaky and unsteady I felt.

 Keeping my balance meant staying in the very middle of the board and finding my center of gravity.  It meant bringing my feet wide and bending my knees, just so I could stay standing.  Once I found my center, I was able to relax a bit, feeling stronger and more steady on my feet.  The tiniest move to the left or right, however, and everything would shift…leaving me feeling shaky and unsteady once again.

Colossians 3:1-3

“Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (italics mine)

Hello conviction.  I desire to have a Christ-centered heart and mind…but how many times do I have to steer myself back to Him?  Too many times to count, I’m afraid.  My heart longs to be about my Father’s business and not my own…or anyone else’s for that matter.  But the old sneaky thief we call comparison lurks around every corner it seems.  

Even in this, my friends, there is good news.  There is always good news in Jesus.  Condemnation is dead and grace lives on and on.

My prayer is for Jesus to be in the middle of it all-hearts, minds, emotions, relationships, careers, ministries, etc.  It’s taking ourselves (and/or others) out of the equation.  When Jesus is our center, everything else revolves around Him.  We have the gravity of His sure and firm foundation.  When life feels like shifting sand (or paddleboards), He alone is our Rock and the one we cling to.

Psalm 17:5 God’s Word Translation

“My steps have remained firmly in your paths.  My feet have not slipped.”

I do not have the ability to stay upright and steady in my own strength.  The waves and winds of circumstance will come and knock me off of my board every time.  But Christ holds me up-through the best and through the worst, I have my footing in Him.  He is my balance.