Harmony
In wine making, balance means the degree to which all the attributes of a wine are in harmony with none either too prominent or deficient. In fine arts, balance involves the composition or placement of elements of design (e.g., figures, forms, colors, etc.) in such a manner as to produce an aesthetically pleasing or harmoniously integrated whole.
Taking those two ideas and sort of combining them gives us the idea that balance involves harmony achieved when each part of the whole holds its proper amount, and all the elements work to create a harmonious state. Harmony gets at the idea of balance quite well, especially when we consider harmony within and its relation to our outer state.
The Bible on Balance
What does the Bible tell us about balance? It tells us that:
- Balance involves timing. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
- Trusting God brings balance. (Matthew 6:31-34)
- God’s word helps us adjust to maintain balance. (2 Peter 3:17)
- Our thoughts impact our ability to balance. (Philippians 4:8-9)
- Money and things can easily disrupt our balance. (Hebrews 13:5-6)
- We can receive peace and courage from God to help us maintain balance. (John 16:31-33)
- Balance involves avoiding what is too distracting. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- Keeping worries and cares to ourselves creates imbalance. (1 Peter 5:6-7)
- Being purposeful about rest has a tremendous impact on our ability to stay balanced. (Mark 6:30-31; Genesis 2:2-4)
- Seeking God to help us adjust our thinking makes all the difference in maintaining balance. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
We know God is the author of peace, not of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33), and we know Jesus came to restore peace (Romans 5:1). Knowing these truths tells me he desires us to live in balance and to have harmony and peace in our lives. He wants it so much that He provides the way for that to happen. This doesn’t mean life will be perfect, but it does mean we can have peace, harmony, and balance even when living in the chaos and imbalance of this world.
Chris
Love how you have tied in the scriptures with the notion of balance. 1 Thes. 4:10-11 has really stuck with me lately: "But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business…"
My recent post Acknowledging Our Unhealthy Habit
Chris
You had pointed out that scripture to me a few weeks ago, by the way. It had been one that I had never closely examined before, but it is so powerful.
Kari Scare
These verses really help me in finding my way to a simple life (what it means for me anyway) to balance. It's not even that I always stay balanced, but following what the Bible says in these and other verses helps me to continually adjust for balance. I have them listed in my Bible actually, so I can quickly get to them whenever I need them. I'm glad you are finding them helpful too, Chris!
cycleguy
I concur with Chris about the use of Scripture Kari. It gives more validity to thoughts when Scripture is used to verify and support. You do that well.
My recent post Depression2
Kari Scare
Thanks, Bill. Honestly, I know how my thoughts can lead me astray. They've done it many, many times. I need truth to keep my thoughts on the right path, the path that leads up and away from the pit.
Mark Allman
I think scripture helps when things seem really bad and I'm getting pounded. It helps me to not focus so much on the moment but on the long term. Things may be bad and I may feel horrible but at the same time I know who holds me and has my back into eternity. It works to calm down out of control emotions that scream at how bad the now is.
Kari Scare
Very true, Mark. Scripture helps us keep an eternal focus, which keeps us from becoming buried in and overcome by a temporal one. This eternal focus keeps us from letting our emotions get the best of us. I've been thinking about emotions a lot again lately, and I realize that I have a love/hate relationship with them. They've led me to some very dark places, but at the same time I know the ability to feel them were created by God. With that, I know I need His truth as my focus to keep my emotions from getting out of control.
Caleb
I generally consider myself to be a pretty balanced person but I find that I usually get off balance unintentionally in the little things of life. Scripture helps me keep my balance because it constantly focuses my mind on truth and pulls me back in line with the way I know God wants me to live my life!
My recent post The Secret to Why I’m More Attracted to My Wife Now Than I was 17 Years Ago!
Kari Scare
Scripture does exactly that, Caleb. If we stay in it and let it guide us, we can stay balanced. We can make the needed adjustments to be balanced on a regular basis. We can even be balanced amidst chaos.
Barb
Great points, Kari. I have struggled to stay balanced with writing since it brings up my insecurities and idolatry tendencies. I find that just continuing to go back to God for readjustment is the most important thing I can do – to see it all from His perspective. On a practical level, attempting to be intentional about how i use my time also helps.
My recent post When You Feel Like You Will NEVER Break That Habit
Kari Scare
We all have specific areas in which balance presents even more of a struggle. Balance is a unique state for every individual, that's for sure. Going to God is truly the only way to make the adjustments needed. He then gives us the tools for being intentional that are specific to our situations. Keep it up Barb!
Jason Stasyszen
As a musician and singer, it's incredible how harmony creates a new, richer sound. Distinct voices can blend into something beautiful. If one person's off or too loud/too soft, it doesn't carry the impact. Takes proper perspective. Good thoughts, Kari! Thank you.
My recent post Afraid of God Failing
Kari Scare
Thank you for describing that from a musician's perspective. The balance of parts in music – as in life – definitely takes proper perspective… and practice too. Thanks, Jason!
Deb Wolf
I agree with Jason. Love the harmony analogy for balance.
Scripture helps me replace agitation with God's truth giving me peace and balance. I'm really enjoying this series on balance Kari. Thank you!
My recent post Blue Owl Blessings
Kari Scare
Me too, Deb. When I'm feeling off balance, the practice of reading Scripture (I usually focus on parts I've highlighted) brings me back into balance. I'm glad you're enjoying it Deb! I've learned a lot from it, that's for sure.