The Candid Christian

There are moments when life feels like it’s happening all at once. Meetings. Ministry. Work. Family. Friends. Personal goals. Deadlines. Expectations. Even good things can begin to feel heavy when they pile up.

Lately, I’ve found myself whispering this simple prayer:

“Lord, activities are becoming a lot. How can I balance things?”

And the truth is—this isn’t a new struggle. Scripture is filled with people who wrestled with busyness, pressure, and the tension between doing and being.

1. God Never Called Us to Burn Out

Jesus Himself modeled rest.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” — Mark 6:31 (NIV)

If Jesus invited His disciples to rest, why do we think we’re exempt?

Busyness is not holiness. Productivity is not the same as purpose. God did not design us to run endlessly without pause. When our lives become overcrowded, it’s often an invitation—not a failure—to slow down and re-evaluate.

2. The Story of Martha and Mary: A Lesson on Priorities

One of the clearest pictures of imbalance in Scripture is found in Luke 10:38–42. Martha was busy serving, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” — Luke 10:41–42 (NIV)

Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong—she was serving. But she was distracted. Mary chose presence over pressure.

Sometimes, our imbalance doesn’t come from bad activities—it comes from misplaced priorities.

3. God Cares About the Order of Your Life

Balance isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things in the right order.

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

When God is first, clarity follows. When He’s not, confusion grows.

If everything feels urgent, it may be time to ask:

• Did God ask me to do all of this?
• Am I moving by faith or by pressure?
• Am I trying to impress people instead of pleasing God?

4. You Are Human—Not God

One of the reasons we become overwhelmed is because we subconsciously try to do what only God can do.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Stillness is not laziness—it’s alignment. It reminds us that we are not in control, and that’s okay.

God never asked us to carry the weight of the world. He only asked us to walk with Him.

5. Practical Ways to Find Balance with God

Here are a few gentle practices that have helped me:

a. Invite God into your schedule

Don’t just plan—pray. Ask Him what matters most.

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)

b. Learn to say no without guilt

Jesus didn’t heal everyone. He didn’t attend every event. He honored divine boundaries.

c. Create space for rest and stillness

Rest is spiritual.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” — Isaiah 30:15 (NIV)

d. Do fewer things with deeper intention

Depth over speed. Presence over pressure.

6. Balance Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Some seasons will be full. Others will be quiet. The key is not perfection—it’s obedience.

When things feel like “a lot,” it may be God’s way of calling us back—not to do more, but to abide more.

“I am the vine; you are the branches… apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5 (NIV)

A Prayer for Balance

Lord, You see the weight of my days. You know how full my heart and hands are. Teach me to rest without guilt, to choose wisely, and to walk with You—not ahead of You. Help me release what You did not assign, and embrace what truly matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.