Better Work / Life Balance in MarriageSýnishorn

Maybe you’ve heard someone say this phrase: “No one actually wants to work.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. I’ve heard this, or some variation of it, time and again. Yes, work can be stressful. It takes up a lot of our time and energy. And it can easily be a scapegoat—the thing to blame for all life’s stress and dissatisfaction. We imagine that, free from the duties of daily work, we might finally find joy, satisfaction, and endless days of relaxation.

But the Bible does not agree. We see in Genesis 1:28 and 2:15 that God entrusted Adam and Eve with work before sin entered the world. God charged them to “Fill the earth and govern it,” a phrase which is translated by the KJV as, “replenish the earth and subdue it.” To “replenish” the earth signifies giving, or filling in what is missing. It is a call for humankind as caretaker and steward of God’s good creation.

Work is not a punishment. It was ordained by God as a means of caring for the world and others, a way of utilizing our God-given skills and abilities. He is always at work in and around us, and through our work we are invited to also participate in bettering and beautifying the world.

Whether your work is in the marketplace, in the home, both, or something in between, God can weave beauty out of your daily efforts. When your work life balance gets off kilter, however, both your work and relationships will suffer—not to mention the personal stress involved!

Consider Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 4, instructing believers “to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” We see a picture of a simple life along with fruitful employment.

This might feel far from your current reality due to difficulties with maintaining work life balance in your marriage. However, God has great purpose for each aspect of your life. If work or home are a frustration today, ask Him for guidance. Trust that He has your best in mind.

Prayer: God, I praise you and thank you that you are a God of purpose. Thank you that you have a plan for my life to use the gifts you’ve given and to bring You glory. I pray you will give me wisdom and insight. I pray you will help me to grow in character and integrity, to obey as you lead. Please expand my vision of the purpose you have for me and bless my efforts as I seek to follow you wholeheartedly. I pray for unity and purpose in my marriage. Amen.