Life is demanding — it expects a lot from us. From taking care of the family to doing chores to working for a living to finding time to relax, balancing our priorities can be a bit overwhelming. Things come at us from all directions, demanding our time and attention. 

It can be exhausting trying to get everything done. It can be equally exhausting trying not to get worn down and discouraged. Priorities can easily shift out of focus, and when our priorities are out of whack, life can turn into a struggle. So how do we balance all that life throws at us?

God Is Not Just for Sundays

God comes first. Period. He is not just for Sundays, He is not just for worshiping and praying to on the Sabbath. God is for always. He is for every minute of every day.

Finding balance between God and the rest of your life is not an accurate description. God should be in every aspect of your life so that you are not trying to balance Him with other things. You give your life to Him and then everything else falls into place. 

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

Think of it like a garden. You want a balance of vegetables, flowers and plants. You sow cucumber and zucchini seeds, plant roses and tulips, and put in hostas and pachysandra.

But in order for these things to grow, you need soil, sun and rain. You always need soil, sun and rain for your vegetables, flowers and plants to thrive; to have the balanced garden you want. God is the soil, sun and rain. You always need Him in order for the rest of your life to thrive.

Cherish Your Spouse and Family

You married your spouse because you wanted to be with him for the rest of your life. You married your spouse, in many cases, believing she was a gift from God. Do not take one another for granted. It’s easy to overlook the miracle of marriage when you are with your spouse day in and day out, but remember why you married in the first place. 

Once you have firmly established God in your every day life, look to your spouse and immediate family. Life is short. Relish every moment and take joy in the love you are surrounded with. You chose your spouse, you chose to have children, you chose to adopt your dog or cat; choose them as your top priority after God.

Friends are a Gift in Life

Friends are a different breed of people. Real friends are with us through thick and thin, have our backs and laugh with us until our sides hurt. Real friends are hard to come by, so make time for them.

Though your spouse should be your best friend and the first person you turn to, you might have others in your life that are also people you confide in. With all that life has in store for us, from the mundane to the tragic, friendships need nurturing along the way.

Work or Passion?

Most people work for a living — to put food on the table, provide shelter, have clothes on their backs and for other necessities such as heat, hot water, electricity or technology. It is difficult not to place this as the number one priority, especially when you are trying to provide for your family. It’s a fine line to walk and often the priority can depend on the type of work that is being done. Do you have a job, career, calling or passion? This is a balance only you and God can work out.

The biggest key to balancing your spouse, family, friends and work is by putting God first. When you have a strong relationship with God, He guides you with your heart and the answer to true balance in your life lies with Him.

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. —Proverbs 16:3