The Mountains Are CallingSample

Striking the Balance

Search high and low, scan skies and land, you’ll find nothing and no one quite like God.

PSALM 89:5–6 THE MESSAGE

How often do we find ourselves at the end of the day feeling like there’s more to do than we got done? Which means there’s even more to do tomorrow. Then there are things we file mentally under Don’t forget to ________ (fill in the blank). We leave out, forget, or skip over what we really need to do. Balance stands in stark contrast to what our days usually look like. Napping is a lost art, sitting on a porch swing is somewhat historical, and lounging in a hammock is saved for a yearly vacation. We’ve nearly forgotten how to step away—in any way we can—from the nonstop, clamoring, cluttered world we live in. Where is the balance? Thank God for the provision of nature.

We probably don’t have to venture far from our homes to get to a place or a park where there are more trees than people, where the birds can be heard over the traffic, and where green grass stretches out like a carpet for us to picnic on. God is so good. He knows what we need to be healthy, whole, and at peace. “Everything God does is right—the trademark on all His works is love” (Psalm 145:17 THE MESSAGE). His love provides the balance our lives need. Love is the reason we need to break out of our routines. Regularly.

God saturated creation with love, peace, miracles, and joy. It’s a way to see how intricately and intimately He put His heart into His handiwork. It inspires praise, lifts our spirits, and feeds our souls so we can keep the demands of the day in balance. God didn’t leave a single detail to chance. It shows, and it’s breathtaking. Get some quiet time in today. Go outdoors if you can. Look for the love of God everywhere and know that all He created is a living love letter to us, His crowning creation. It will bring the perfect balance to a hectic day.

Dear God, I see Your life and love in nature, and I’m thankful for the way it balances my stress, restores calm, and refreshes my soul.