The definition of balance is to remain upright and steady so that it does not fall.  Stand up on one leg.  No really, give it a try!  Do you feel pretty steady?  Now close your eyes.  You will notice that it takes a lot more effort to stay balanced.  This is a great object lesson to show the need to keep our eyes on the prize (Philippians 3:12-14) to keep us balanced.  It’s easy to say, “Keep our eyes on the prize;” but when our lives become overcommitted and we are depleted of our time and energy, we feel exhausted and out of control.  This is when we shut our eyes and find ourselves off balance.  We lose our firm foundation, and our lives start crumbling (Matthew 7:24-27).

We can rebuild this firm foundation by handing everything over to God.  We need to trust God (Proverbs 3:5) and pray for help (Psalm 86:1).  The NKJV of Psalm 46:10 states, “Be still, and know that I am God…”  The phrase “be still” in this verse comes from the Hebrew word raphah, which means “to relax” or “to let go.”  It is the idea of giving everything over to God.  We can find great comfort knowing that when we surrender to God, we will have refuge (Psalm 16:1), and He will always be with us (Joshua 1:9; Psalm 56:3).

A firm foundation also comes from seeking God’s wisdom.  James 1:5 states, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” We can ask God to direct our steps (Psalm 119:133) and teach us knowledge (Psalm 119:66).

We can keep our foundation strong by looking at Jesus’ example and increase in favor with God (Luke 2:52).  We can achieve this by letting His word dwell in us (Colossians 3:16).  We are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18 to grow in knowledge.  We need to diligently study the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15).  When we do this, God’s word will equip us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), shield us (Proverbs 30:5-6), and guide us (Psalm 119:105).

By letting God have control, praying for wisdom, and growing in knowledge we can build and keep a firm foundation.  It is a process that takes discipline and consistent training (Hebrews 12:11).  Are we keeping our eyes on the prize and training ourselves to put God first (Matthew 6:33); or do we know what we need to do, but have closed our eyes and lost our balance (James 4:17)?  Our daily prayer should be that we are not conformed to this world (Romans 12:2), but we set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2).

Renee Hunter

Scripture taken from NASB

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