A Healthy Balance

Marsh Marigold (closeup) – March 12, 2017

I have LOT on my mind these days, and May is looking to be a particularly jam-packed month for me. It seems the busier I get, the more can distract and pull me away from God. That even goes for Christian service as well as everyday activities.

Besides my responsibilities, there is much going on in the world to read, think and pray about. Yet, for me it’s gotten out of hand: recently I’ve been spending precious minutes reading practically every article under the sun, plus taking a few too many online surveys and playing games on my phone. With such sensory overload, it obviously creates a struggle to stay focused on Christ. There has become an imbalance – it’s a fine line between staying informed and relaxing, and just wasting time.

Here’s an older poem about time suckers:

“Distractions”

Wanting less to want more,
except more of my Savior.
Feeling regretful
of my consuming behavior.
The details of daily life
take an enormous toll;
Although I know full well
that God is in control.
This world distracts
entertaining time away
which can’t be relived
to take a minute to pray.
A simple, “I am here, Lord”
With open mind and heart
is enough to break the chains
and make a brand-new start.
As I give Him my moments,
He’ll steer me from wrong.
God is in the details,
and to Him I belong.

9-15-03
©Ladeena Ashley

Self-Control
Learning to put my phone down is an issue that comes down to discipline. Even as technology changes, our need for self-control doesn’t diminish. As one of the fruits of the Spirit, it is one of several indicators of how well we’re walking with Christ. The more intentional we are about being obedient to God and the more time spent in His Word, the more He transforms us and the fruits bear out in our life! We must be consistently surrendering and growing in knowledge of Him!

I don’t know what you may need to set aside more often. Like me, perhaps your cell phone has become like a cell, and you’re imprisoned by the constant need to check it. Or perhaps it’s the TV or other activity that hogs too much time or isn’t productive. Whatever the habit, pray about it and the Spirit will help you regain a healthy balance.

A few ideas: Set specific time frames for the activity, and stick to them. Occupy your hands and mind with something else more worthwhile. Grab your Bible instead of your phone (unless it’s a Bible app)!

It reminds me of a favorite hymn: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22

Extra Credit
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Blessings to you, this day and always!

©Ladeena Ashley
2017 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photo)