A Balancing Act
- The Narrow Path
- Dec 15, 2023
- 2 min read
But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears (Psalm 18:6, NLT).
Have you ever used a weighing scale to try and strike a balance between two different objects? Though most everything is digital these days, I remember doing this in science class when we still used the “old school” weighing scales.
We were required to add a little of this, and a little of that, to each side until we were able to strike the perfect balance between the two sides. There was always joy in the moment where the scale stopped teetering and landed in equal spots, indicating the perfect balance.
Sometimes I wish I could take my emotions, turn them into tangible objects, and put them on a weighing scale to help me manage the balancing act of life.
Sadness and joy. Longing and contentment. Fear and trust. Overwhelmed and hopeful. Abandoned and loved.
We’ve all experienced these emotions, but what happens when we’re experiencing opposite emotions at the exact same time? That seems counterintuitive. Impossible, even.
I used to believe that was true. I can’t possibly feel sadness and joy at the same time. I can’t experience both longing and contentment. It’s impossible to feel overwhelmed and hopeful.
As I’ve walked with Jesus and come to learn more about His nature, character, and love for me, I am now able to recognize this as a lie from the enemy.
Can I experience the longing of having a family of my own while still experiencing contentment in my singleness? Yes, absolutely.
Can I feel sad when someone close to me passes away while also experiencing the joy of knowing they are no longer suffering? Yes, absolutely.
Can I feel fearful about the results of a test while trusting Jesus with the outcome, no matter what it might be? Yes, absolutely.
Can I feel overwhelmed with certain burdens the Lord has placed on my heart while also feeling hopeful about how God is going to work in the mess? Yes, absolutely.
Can I feel abandoned by someone I thought was a friend while still resting in the truth that I am fully loved by God? Yes, absolutely.
If we turn to Psalm 18:6, we are reminded that God is our help: But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
Life is a balancing act that demands emotional equilibrium, but Jesus will never ask us to diminish them. He will simply ask us to call on Him, and hand them over to Him. Jesus has ears to hear, and two hands to hold all of our emotions. All we have to do is trust Him.
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