Life is a marathon and maintaining balance is hard, but thankfully, we’re not expected to conquer it all at once. Have you ever felt like life is overwhelming, stretching too far ahead to even see the finish line? It’s easy to feel that way, but there’s a secret to persevering through life’s toughest seasons: focus on today. As Walter Elliot once said, “Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races, one after the other.” Jesus also reminds us to let tomorrow worry about itself, encouraging us to live one day at a time.
In Chapter 9 of Persevering Power, I write about the power we gain from maintaining balance in four areas: looking up to God, looking back at past blessings, looking inward for self-reflection, and looking around to serve others. I explore what can happen when we live out of balance and share a short video introducing the chapter. Let’s dive into why these four areas are key to finding the strength to persevere daily.
Look Up: Trusting God for Perspective
When challenges arise, the first instinct can be to panic or try to fix everything ourselves. But true persevering power starts by looking up to God, trusting Him to guide us through. God’s perspective gives us purpose, reminding us that we don’t have to carry every burden alone. Instead of striving for worldly success, we’re invited to join God in His work—taking comfort in the fact that He’s in control.
Look Back: Gratitude and Praise
How often do we stop and reflect on how far we’ve come? Looking back doesn’t mean dwelling in the past but recognizing God’s hand in our journey. Gratitude is a powerful tool. When we remember the ways God has been faithful, it becomes easier to trust Him with what’s ahead. Sing your praise—God has given you a new song for every season!
Look In: Self-Reflection with Humility
Persevering power requires self-awareness. Take time to pause, reflect, and humble yourself before God. It’s not about thinking too highly or too little of yourself—it’s about acknowledging that God is working in and through you. Regular moments of stillness can restore your peace and help you avoid burnout. Practice forgiveness and release any bitterness; God’s grace is enough.
Look Around: Serving Others
We weren’t saved to sit still—we were saved to serve. Looking around at the needs of others helps us shift our focus outward. Whether it’s lending a hand or simply listening, service keeps us grounded and connected. The beauty of giving is that it not only blesses others but fills us with a peace that transcends our own understanding.
The Dangers of Imbalance
But what happens when we don’t live in this balance? The chapter warns of falling into traps like pietism (overly religious without compassion for others), paroxysm (burnout from emotional exhaustion), paternalism (helping from a place of superiority), and pessimism (losing hope). Each of these extremes can rob us of true perseverance, which only comes from holding all four aspects in harmony.
Practical Steps for Maintaining Balance Through Persevering Daily
What can we do today to tap into this persevering power? It starts with simple, intentional steps. Wake up each morning with gratitude, thanking God for the gift of the day. Put on a “garment of praise” to guard your heart from discouragement. Throughout the day, take breaks to reflect on God’s faithfulness and recharge. Lastly, seek out ways to serve—whether at work, home, or in your community and let me encourage you to consider volunteering at or help open a Gospel Justice Center with Administer Justice to bring legal help to your neighbors in need.
Life will always bring challenges, but with these practical habits and a balanced focus, you’ll find that it’s possible to answer the question “How are you?” with confidence: “It is well with my soul, and the rest of the world is nuts.” Because when God is your source of perseverance, you can run the race with joy—even when the finish line feels far away.
As you walk this journey of perseverance, remember that you’re not alone. Lean on God, lean on others, and lean into the beautiful truth that God’s power is perfected in your weakness. Keep looking up, back, in, and around, and you’ll find strength to keep going—one day at a time.
