All relationships have their good times and not so good times; finding the perfect balance can be hard to do. It becomes even harder when you want to render God His time. Add in a job, and the equation becomes even more challenging to balance. One thing I do know is that most people don’t let too many things interfere with their employment, but what about the one who has given you the job and strength to work? Where is God in the equation of your life? Women, more so than men yearn to have someone special in their life- I say this because most women wait to be pursued, whereas the man has the liberty to choose from so many women.There is no shortage of women who desire to be in a relationship with a good man. As soon as a man comes around, some women start thinking about preparing for their wedding. Where is God in our relationship equation?Can we have a meaningful, right relationship with God and with a spouse or even a significant other? How do we do it without cheating God and the particular person in our life?

As I think back over my life and how I balanced a husband and God, I see some shortcomings on my part when it came to my marriage. God honors marriage. Did I short change God? Mostly not, but my spouse I did at times. Let me explain by beginning with the Apostle Paul. Paul did not desire marriage. Why? Because he wanted to please God first and foremost. He understood that those that were unmarried cared for the things that belonged to God. While those that married cared for how they could please their spouse. But, the question again is how do we balance a relationship and God? I feel we can do it if we take the time to do what benefits both.

There were times when I was in church because I just felt that I had to be there and not miss the service. I should have been with my spouse. One example was on one Valentine’s Day when I went to service without him. My not attending service on that evening would not have angered God. So, what was the problem? Me, not God. Yes, I said we can go out on another evening for dinner, etc. but I shouldn’t have. As I stated in another post, sometimes we feel as Christian or saved women, we have to be in every service, not missing a one. No, I don’t think we do (just my opinion) when we have a spouse or even a significant other. A faithful life to God is what He requires. He knows that others need our attention to have a healthy relationship or marriage. Sometimes we need to spend a particular time with our spouse or significant other who may become a spouse without feeling guilt. Guilt should only be present when you neglect God continuously. More times than not, your being with someone won’t interfere with your church services. Special occasions don’t come around every day.

God wants us to nurture the relationships He has given us. That is just one example, but there were other times. We didn’t attend the same church, which has its downfall too. This problem was discussed in a past post. Also, as stated in an earlier post, while we are serving God, it sometimes gives the other person more time to run wild, if they are not with us. Am I taking the blame for anyone’s misdeeds? Absolutely, not, but everyone needs attention and to feel wanted. I have a close sister who has a regular date night with her husband, and she doesn’t let anything interfere with it unless it’s an emergency. Any thoughts on that?

As I end this post, the main point I am trying to make is learning to balance your relationship with God and your spouse or significant other. Give each their due time. Don’t be afraid to say I can’t attend a service on a particular day, if you genuinely need to be with your spouse or the one who may become your spouse. Please don’t make it a habit! Send your offering and be there at the next service. God knows how we feel about Him. He doesn’t want us only to devote time to Him and neglect others He placed in our life. We can put God first and still spend time with those we love. You know when you are going overboard with something. Ask God to strengthen your relationships, put in the work that you need to that enriches your life, and give God your best always. It’s a balancing act, but through God, we can do all things. I would love to hear your opinion on this subject. A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work. Proverbs 16: 11. I’ll be back next week with a new post, “Sunny Days, Not Always!”

Be encouraged, and God bless!

Sister Jackie