You know you have an unbalanced tire on your car because you can feel it. The car shakes, the steering wheel wobbles and you know that something is wrong.
The same is true in our lives. We know when something is out of balance because we can feel it. For example, if you constantly feel like you have too much to do and too little time to do it, there is an issue. If you are easily offended, reactive, touchy and take everything the wrong way, it is likely that you are emotionally worn out. If you are distracted and constantly watching TV or scrolling through Facebook instead of focusing on what is important and needful, something is not right. If the only time you enjoy your life is when you are on vacation and away from your normal routine, that is not healthy.
Life is not meant to be a constant struggle. Rather, it is meant to be lived with a healthy rhythm that allows us to find refreshment while still engaging in important and satisfying work. God created us this way and Jesus demonstrated it when he was here. One place where that rhythm of work and renewal can be seen is in Mark 9.
The chapter begins with Jesus taking Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. While they were there, Jesus was transformed, and they saw a little of the glory he had before he came to earth (verses 2-3). Then they heard God saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him” (verse 7).
After that, they came back down the mountain and found themselves in the middle of an argument. A man wanted his son healed and Jesus’ disciples could not do it. Jesus healed the boy and told the disciples that they could only do this work if they stayed connected to God (verse 29).
The pattern is clear: spend time on the mountain filling up with the things of God and then come down and share what you have been given.
Time spent with God gives us power. Time spent serving others gives us purpose.
Repeating that pattern allows us to live a balanced and significant life.
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