Birds have an amazing sense of balance. Whether perching on thin wires or hanging on bird feeders, they maintain their stability. As I watch birds, I am aware of my own need for balance in life.

I need balance in my physical activities so that I don’t overextend myself with housework, shopping, or exercise and suffer later. I need balance in my relationships so that I don’t become overly burdened with the problems of others, but rather trust that God is using these trials to work out His plan in their lives.

I need balance in handling my emotions so that when the downward cycles come, I remember what God has done in the past and believe He will lift me up again.

Since I struggle with perfectionism, I need balance to keep the perfect from being the enemy of the good in each of these areas. Above all, I need balance in my perspective of this earthly life. Knowing this is not all there is and what great things lie ahead in eternity helps me to handle the grief of unfulfilled expectations and dreams here on earth.

Jesus is the perfect example of a balanced life. Even though His days were filled with ministry, He made time with God His first priority. Although He could have healed every person’s disease and fixed every problem on the planet, He did not. He grieved over Jerusalem’s impending destruction but did not stop it. He wept over death and became angry at injustice. He certainly understands the struggles of balance in this fallen world.

Between the world’s messages and my own perceptions, balance can be very difficult to maintain. Only God can give me the discernment to know what to do or not to do and the self-discipline to follow through on those decisions. His Word and His example are the stability I need to keep me hanging on.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your will for balance in each aspect of my life and give me a willing heart to accept Your plan. Amen.

About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

Are there certain areas of your life that are difficult to balance? How do you manage them?

Have you ever been to a new doctor, only to discover that they think they know what is wrong with you before you even describe your symptoms?

Or. . .

Do you feel they are doing all of the talking, and they have not even heard a word that you have said? Perhaps they jump to their conclusions without fully examining all of the possibilities.

Do you ever meet someone you know in a store or just out and about and find that they know how to fix all of the world’s problems, especially yours?
Right away they just start chattering about everything that is wrong in your life

Or. . .

Perhaps you run into the person who loves to tell everyone every single detail of their problems, over and over again.“Woo-woo is me!”

Do you feel that perhaps no-one really cares about you and your pain personally?

So much well-meaning advice a lot of the times is given to us even though we did not ask for it. With all of this chattering going on it is no wonder we feel as though we can not hear the Holy Spirit’s directions for our lives.

Perhaps our ears are clogged with a case of severe “noise pollution!” Some people like to get lost in noise. They find that the louder their surroundings, the better to block their painful thoughts, bad memories,and sad feelings. Many use noise to drown out their negative emotions and thoughts.

God however does not have to yell to make His presence known. In Habakkuk 2:20 we are told to be “silent” before the Lord.

It is in this quietness that the Lord will whisper to you the nourishing recipe you need for your soul.
It is in this quietness that the Lord will gently settle the upset of your broken-heart.
It is in the quietness, that your mind can find a spiritual peace.
It is in this quietness that you can seek true relief from your pain.
It is in this quietness that the Lord will remind you that He loves and cares for you and everything going on with you.

Be still and know that I am God,” says, Psalms 46:10. In the stillness of our lives, we can better communicate with the Lord. Perhaps we should take our quiet moments in life to reflect on God’s Word and use the still hours for mediation and prayer. Perhaps you are wide-awake in the wee hours of the night; perhaps this is a good time to commune with the Lord.

I believe that our prayer closet is an example of “one-on-one” quiet time with you and your heavenly Father. If we go to the Lord in prayer, He has promised to meet us there. Listen for His whisper, dear child; the Lord is waiting to commune with you.

Is your heart heavy today? Have you found yourself feeling alone in the still,quietness of your mind? Oh you precious sweet child; The Lord is there ready to hold and nurture you. Use that silence to reverently seek God’s presence. Hide His word in your heart. The Lord understands and knows your pain.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father: We seek your “rest” in our lives. Give us a quiet stream to meditate on your Word! Help us Lord to seek your voice in our lives and find relief in your arms! Amen.

About the author:
Debbi Farmer knows that our hearts can seem extremely heavy and lonely when “silence” is surrounding us in our pain. She desires for all hurting hearts, to use those lonely, quiet moments to reflect on God’s Word and seek fellowship with a loving and nurturing Father. Remember, child, you are so loved and you are not alone!

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

What is creating too much noise in your life? When you are in pain do you regularly turn to the computer, TV, movies, radio, anything to block out the noise–before turning to God? What kind of difference do you think it would make if you first turned to God?

I remember when I first learned to drive. It was overwhelming yet exciting, terrifying yet thrilling.

Peering over the steering wheel, I stared at the hood of the car. Lots of self-talk guided me. Stay in your lane. Check your rear view mirror. Watch your speed. You are doing fine.

Rumble, rumble, rumble. The unexpected sound shattered my confidence.

“Watch it; you’re driving on the shoulder. Get back in your lane” said my mother with all the composure she could muster.

The sound of the flat road surface signaled I was back on track. Confidence restored. Smooth sailing. But the hood of the car loomed so large. Stay clear of oncoming traffic. Keep to the right.

Rumble, rumble, rumble. Drifted again. Corrected once more.

Realizing my problem my mother instructed, “You have to look far ahead in the distance. Concentrate beyond the hood of the car.”
Her advice helped me maneuver my car safely in my lane. Thankfully, I learned how to stay on the road.

As we travel through life, we have a choice where to look. We can either dwell on our problems (as if admiring them) or ponder God’s faithfulness. Concentrate on our difficulties or on the One who offers comfort.

Unfortunately, I haven’t mastered a steady focus in life. Thinking about my constant pain results in self-pity and frustration. God offers a path for my thoughts. Hebrews 12:2 tells us where stare. “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of faith. . . ”

Swerving off that path leads to rumblings of doubt and hopelessness. We have to mentally steer in a different direction. The Psalmist shows us how to deliberately adjust our thoughts.

“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19) Pain is real, but God. . . is my strength (Psalm 28:7), assures me of comfort in my affliction (Psalm 119:50), and is my refuge (Jeremiah 16:19). His love and faithfulness always protect me (Psalm 40:11).

An eternal gaze assures me of everlasting relief from pain. “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. . . ” (Revelation 21:4)

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, captivate my thoughts today. How I long to meditate on Your love for me (rather than on my pain). Sustain me. Strengthen me. Help me honor and serve You today. In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.

About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

How do you keep your mind off your pain?

Have you ever been to a new doctor, only to discover that they think they know what is wrong with you before you even describe your symptoms?

Or. . .

Do you feel they are doing all of the talking, and they have not even heard a word that you have said? Perhaps they jump to their conclusions without fully examining all of the possibilities.

Do you ever meet someone you know in a store or just out and about and find that they know how to fix all of the world’s problems, especially yours?
Right away they just start chattering about everything that is wrong in your life

Or. . .

Perhaps you run into the person who loves to tell everyone every single detail of their problems, over and over again.“Woo-woo is me!”

Do you feel that perhaps no-one really cares about you and your pain personally?

So much well-meaning advice a lot of the times is given to us even though we did not ask for it. With all of this chattering going on it is no wonder we feel as though we can not hear the Holy Spirit’s directions for our lives.

Perhaps our ears are clogged with a case of severe “noise pollution!” Some people like to get lost in noise. They find that the louder their surroundings, the better to block their painful thoughts, bad memories,and sad feelings. Many use noise to drown out their negative emotions and thoughts.

God however does not have to yell to make His presence known. In Habakkuk 2:20 we are told to be “silent” before the Lord.

It is in this quietness that the Lord will whisper to you the nourishing recipe you need for your soul.
It is in this quietness that the Lord will gently settle the upset of your broken-heart.
It is in the quietness, that your mind can find a spiritual peace.
It is in this quietness that you can seek true relief from your pain.
It is in this quietness that the Lord will remind you that He loves and cares for you and everything going on with you.

Be still and know that I am God,” says, Psalms 46:10. In the stillness of our lives, we can better communicate with the Lord. Perhaps we should take our quiet moments in life to reflect on God’s Word and use the still hours for mediation and prayer. Perhaps you are wide-awake in the wee hours of the night; perhaps this is a good time to commune with the Lord.

I believe that our prayer closet is an example of “one-on-one” quiet time with you and your heavenly Father. If we go to the Lord in prayer, He has promised to meet us there. Listen for His whisper, dear child; the Lord is waiting to commune with you.

Is your heart heavy today? Have you found yourself feeling alone in the still,quietness of your mind? Oh you precious sweet child; The Lord is there ready to hold and nurture you. Use that silence to reverently seek God’s presence. Hide His word in your heart. The Lord understands and knows your pain.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father: We seek your “rest” in our lives. Give us a quiet stream to meditate on your Word! Help us Lord to seek your voice in our lives and find relief in your arms! Amen.

About the author:
Debbi Farmer knows that our hearts can seem extremely heavy and lonely when “silence” is surrounding us in our pain. She desires for all hurting hearts, to use those lonely, quiet moments to reflect on God’s Word and seek fellowship with a loving and nurturing Father. Remember, child, you are so loved and you are not alone!

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

What is creating too much noise in your life? When you are in pain do you regularly turn to the computer, TV, movies, radio, anything to block out the noise–before turning to God? What kind of difference do you think it would make if you first turned to God?

I have quoted this verse many times in recent years regarding different situations in my life, one of which is dealing with my illness. I know many of us have probably prayed for healing and in God’s sovereignty, He has chosen not to do so; however, He doesn’t leave us empty-handed. There are many tools God gives us to help us on this journey and wisdom is definitely one of them.

When dealing with chronic illness, there are always decisions that need to be made.

Sometimes long term decisions about treatment and care or many times it’s just daily decisions like deciding how to spend limited energy. I have had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for over fifteen years. Often, the weight of making treatment decisions is left up to me because these syndromes are very misunderstood even among the medical community. I need wisdom in making decisions about the course of my health and well-being and what a blessing that in this verse, God promises to give it.

Godly wisdom is obtained through asking. My desire is to walk in the Spirit, spend time reading God’s words, and talking to Him in prayer. It is through these intimate personal times with Him that I will be able to receive His wisdom and guidance. And I sure do need it!

God will grant me wisdom concerning my health, if I ask Him. Wisdom for how to take care of my body, what medications and or supplements I should take or not take, or which doctors to use or not use. I often pray for wisdom when making priorities and choosing how I spend my time so that I can protect the health I do have.

I need His guidance to achieve optimum wellness through wise choices and I also want to know how to use this illness to make a difference for His kingdom. I need wisdom in so many areas of my life, but today I am asking for wisdom to help make the right choices concerning my health. Big choices or little choices, God asks us to ask Him for wisdom and He graciously promises to give it liberally.

Prayer: Father, grant to me your wisdom concerning my illness. Help me to make wise choices to make the most use of my time and energy. May Your wisdom guide me to using my illness for Your honor and glory. Thank You for your faithful promises and loving grace.

About the author:
Ann lives in Florida with her husband and five young children. She has suffered from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for over 15 years. Her blog “Restoring My Soul” provides spiritual inspiration and encouragement to Christians who also suffer from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. http://restoringmysoul.wordpress.com/

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

In what areas of your health do you need wisdom? Have you ever asked God for wisdom when facing decisions concerning your chronic illness treatment? Has there been a time where you felt God specifically led you in a decision concerning your illness? Please share with us!

Do you ever feel that your body has betrayed you? Has it left you feeling embarrassed, disappointed, or discouraged? There are times our body feels more like an enemy than a friend, times when no matter what we do, no matter what treatments or medications we give it, it responds by letting us down.

Sometimes it seems like we are in an endless battle with our bodies, we think we have gained some ground, that we have turned the tide in the war, and yet it rallies against us and sets us back once more. It can get discouraging after awhile.

The truth is that our bodies are not our enemies. Our bodies have been afflicted by disease and ills common to this world. To see our body as the enemy, rather than the victim of affliction, is to see our body as something foreign rather than a part of us that is subject to disease and weakness. While it is true that a new body awaits the Christian believer, it is also true that our lives on this earth will be spent in a body subject to weakness and affliction. Rather than see our body as the enemy, we must make peace with it and do our best to keep it in the best possible condition.

Sometimes I long for my heavenly body, and I suspect you do as well. I read somewhere that a philosopher said essentially:

We have the mind of God but we drag about a dead body.

I know that sometimes seems the case. And dragging about these “dead bodies” can be quite the challenge. Yet it is also true that we are redeemed, not just our mind, but also our bodies will be redeemed, and renewed:

“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:23)

We suffer much because of our bodies, yet these physical temples are a part of us. Without them we would be dead. While we live we must do our best to make peace with these afflicted vessels, and with God’s help we will survive them as we drag them along with us toward redemption.

Don’t let your body drag you down. You are more than your body, more than a flesh and blood vessel. You are more than your afflications.

When you feel frustrated and betrayed by your body, try to keep in mind that it is part of you, and along with you it is also on its way to redemption.

Prayer: Dear Lord, so often these bodies let us down and at times we feel we are at war with them, help us through until the redemption of our body. Amen.

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. His physical afflictions have been a battle, but the Lord has given him peace.

You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com

Do you sometimes feel you are at war with your body? Have you ever reminded yourself that it too will be renewed one day at the Resurrection?