Have you ever struggled with trying to balance everything in life?
Do you go through seasons where you feel inadequate because you can’t seem to get everything done?
While looking at the life of others, do you find yourself dreaming you could have it all and do it all too?
I’ve read countless books and articles and heard a million leadership talks on if a person has enough talent, grit, and determination they can have it all. Whatever “it all” means to them- it’s theirs with just the right priorities mixed with some luck.
I’ve also read and heard the other side: how it’s not possible to have it all and that’s OK. So we need to stop beating ourselves up over it and accept the life that God has given us.
The pressure is real for many. The struggle of balancing it all while desiring more weighs heavy, especially this time of year.
I was recently talking with a friend who was expressing her struggle to get everything done for work, home, and church. All she wanted to do was come home and sleep and she felt awful about that. She expressed the difficulties of balancing everything and then questioning the dreams she has and whether it would even be possible to not only achieve them but to maintain them.
There’s this idea you are taught and it’s God must come first, and then your spouse, children, family, friends, career etc. You try to fit your life into that structure but end up walking away feeling defeated and tired. Then, you feel there’s something wrong with you for not being able to manage it all.
The truth is; you can have it all and do it all.
But, we need to learn what God’s definition of “all” is first.
Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”
The reason that order stresses so many of us out is that it’s flawed. It’s near impossible to always keep everything in that order because things in life aren’t always consistent and predictable.
The reality is; some days your job may require more of your time while other days you spend that time investing in your marriage. You will go through seasons where a friend really needs you so you’re giving extra efforts there. Your children will have times in their life where they will need you more than others and same with family. With all the moving parts in life pulling at you in various levels- it’s only reasonable to give where it’s needed when it’s needed.
When you seek Christ first- He will align everything else. He will give you the discernment and wisdom on where to spend your time and efforts and when. With His leading, you will feel accomplished knowing your doing what you can and feel fulfilled. The stress and worry of balance will no longer linger in your mind.
Having it “all” and doing it “all” doesn’t mean you have everything you want and do everything you want simultaneously. What it does mean is, you will have everything you need and what you have should be the results of seeking Christ first in your life.
When you allow Christ to set your priorities you won’t be stressed, overworked, or anxious about trying to do it all and having it all. Why? Because when you try to obtain something yourself that isn’t meant to be obtained alone you have no other option other than to feel inadequate.
Putting Christ first consistently will allow Him to add to your life according to His perfect will and timing. The discernment and wisdom on what to spend more time on will be there and your stress levels of trying to figure it all out will diminish. So, through all the seasons’ life takes you through, you won’t be working to exhausting or striving to perfection. Instead, you will be taking each season as their own allowing Christ to set your priorities.
While this time of year is busy and the pressure is heavy to be everywhere and do everything- rest in knowing that Christ will give you what you need today, His mercies are new every morning, and tomorrow is another day to allow Christ to set your priorities.
Matthew 6:34 says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s troubles is enough for today.”
This is such a great reminder, Heather. I have a horrible time trying to balance everything on my to-do list and getting it all done, but you are so right. When I put Jesus first and trust His plan and timing, and seek His will for my life, then I can trust that I’m getting everything done that He intended for me to do.
The struggle to do it “all” is impossible. But the true definition of “all” in Bible is completely different and attainable. It’s all about priorities. Great read and reminder.
You said a mouthful when you said, “But, we need to learn what God’s definition of “all” is first.” It’s amazing how our expectations are so often misaligned simply because we think they’re the same as God’s.
This is definitely wisdom! And a simple one as well. The one that we read in the Bible so many times and the one that we forget to practice in our everyday life. God does not give us commands in His Word for no reason. He wants us to be fulfilled and happy and for that we need to be reminded to keep our eyes on Jesus and to allow Him to set priorities in our life. Definitely sharing this one!!!!
Thank you for this reminder….I love this “Having it “all” and doing it “all” doesn’t mean you have everything you want and do everything you want simultaneously. What it does mean is, you will have everything you need and what you have should be the results of seeking Christ first in your life.When you allow Christ to set your priorities you won’t be stressed, overworked, or anxious about trying to do it all and having it all.”
I love this! Yes, when God defines It all everything changes! THanks for the reminder.