Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

73 | Faith In Rhythm: A Christian Approach to Life Balance

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

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Summer arrives with longer days, family gatherings, and yes—lengthier to-do lists that can leave even the most organized Christian woman feeling overwhelmed. What if the season meant for refreshment is actually draining your spiritual and emotional reserves?

This eye-opening episode challenges the cultural praise of hustle with a powerful biblical truth: your worth is not defined by your productivity. Through an in-depth exploration of Isaiah 40:31, we uncover how God designed us for rhythm, not relentless striving. "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength"—this isn't just a poetic promise but a practical invitation to live differently.

Whether you're feeling constantly overwhelmed, experiencing spiritual dryness, or waking up tired and going to bed anxious, this episode offers a transformative framework for reclaiming balance. You'll discover simple yet powerful morning, midday, and evening rhythms that create space for God's presence without adding more to your plate. Learn practical boundaries, like protecting your Sabbath rest and scheduling intentional pauses that honor your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Balance isn't about controlling every aspect of your life—it's about surrendering to the One who already holds it all together. When you align with God's rhythm, you stop striving and start flowing with grace instead of grit. Take the first step toward a balanced summer by implementing just one new rhythm this week. Remember, you weren't created for exhaustion. You were designed to soar, run, and walk in strength that comes from sacred connection with your Creator.

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Paula Behrens:

Hey friend, summer is officially here Vacation time, family outings, longer days and, let's be honest, longer to-do lists. But here's the truth busyness isn't always fruitfulness. If we're not intentional, the very season meant for refreshment can leave us drained. That's why today we're talking about how life balance for Christians is not only possible but essential. Let's explore how you can renew your strength, embrace joy and live fully this summer without burning out. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens:

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices. Friend, have you ever sat down with your Bible, a cup of tea and high hopes for a quiet moment with the Lord, only to find your mind racing with to-do lists, your spirit distracted and your heart dry? I remember a season when my spiritual life felt more like a checklist than a connection. I had a book of prayers, a seminary degree and even my favorite kneeling rail in my office, but, truthfully, I was just going through the motions. I was hungry for more, more peace, more presence, more of God. I was showing up with all the right tools, but none of the soul-satisfying stillness I craved. My time with God became something I did, not something I delighted in. I craved intimacy with God, but I didn't know how to break out of that cycle of routine spirituality. Then the Lord gently reminded me, he never asked me for polished prayers or perfect discipline. He just wanted my presence. From that moment on, I began creating space to simply be with him. I built a new rhythm, a new routine, one that was deeply rooted in grace, filled with scripture and supported by the soothing presence of his creation, including essential oils that help me slow down and breathe deeply. That sacred rhythm is what I now share in the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour.

Paula Behrens:

This one-on-one session is for the woman who's ready to stop striving and start resting in God again. Whether you're spiritually weary, stuck in routine or longing for a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit, this hour is your invitation to begin again with grace. I'll walk alongside you to create a personalized devotional routine that works with your real life, not against it. Together, we'll craft a practice that helps you feel grounded, nourished and deeply connected to God, mind, body and spirit. You don't have to keep trying to figure it all out alone. There's a simpler way to grow in faith and to draw near to God, and I'd be honored to help you find it. Let's breathe in his peace. Let's rediscover his presence. Let's begin again together. Book your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces).

Paula Behrens:

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Donna Sherry. She writes, this podcast offers great insights to help you live with more purpose and intentionality to connect with God. Over the years, I have learned the value of spending quiet time with God on a daily basis and is something I cannot live without. This show is a perfect boost to help you establish a consistent spiritual routine that deepens your faith walk. Thank you so much, Donna. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

Today we're diving into something that every Christian woman needs to know about, especially in the fast-paced season of summer. We're talking about life balance, what it looks like, why it matters and how you can cultivate it using biblical truth and simple daily rhythms. Let's begin here. Life balance for Christians isn't a luxury. It's a biblical necessity. We live in a culture that praises hustle, but in God's kingdom, peace is the reward, not burnout. Jesus didn't live a frantic life, and he's not calling us to one either. Jesus calls us to, come to me, all you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Jesus offers rest not just sleep, not just naps soul level rest, rest that comes from a balanced life where your mind, body and spirit are aligned with God's purpose and peace.

Paula Behrens:

Many Christian women carry silent burdens: the pressure to do everything, the guilt when we can't, the fear of missing out, the anxiety of falling behind. But here's the truth. You are not your productivity. Your worth is not defined by your checklists, your kids' achievements or your volunteer hours. Balance begins when you let God redefine your value by his word, not by the world.

Paula Behrens:

Let's take a deeper look at our anchor verse for today Isaiah 40, verse 31: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint. This verse is often quoted, but let's look at what it teaches us about living in balance.

Paula Behrens:

The prophet Isaiah tells us to hope in the Lord. Your emotional balance starts with spiritual focus. When we center our lives on Christ, our inner world becomes less reactive and more resilient. He then says that we will enjoy a renewed strength. Renewal implies rhythm. Strength doesn't come from non-stop motion. It comes from sacred pauses. Soar, run, walk, Isaiah points out that God gives us the grace for every pace. Some days we soar, some days we run and others we simply walk. Balance means embracing each pace without guilt. This scripture passage isn't just a poetic promise. It's a daily invitation to live balanced by trusting the One who sustains us. Anchored firmly in the promises of God, we'll see an invitation to lean on his strength, living from a place of rhythm and overflow instead of exhaustion and imbalance.

Paula Behrens:

Let's start with some hard truths about balance and summer. For many of us, summer isn't the restful oasis we hoped it would be. Instead, it's often the season where our carefully planned routines fall apart. Schedules go out the window, church attendance changes and the healthy habits we built previously fall by the wayside. Suddenly, time carved out for God becomes more difficult to find. Our emotional, physical and spiritual energy drains away in small, sneaky ways. A skipped devotional here, a fast food dinner there, more screen time than prayer time. Before we know it, we're running on empty, trying to smile through it all, feeling worn out and disconnected from the One who created the seasons. This imbalance creeps up quietly, but it has consequences. We weren't meant to live without a sound routine. God designed us to flourish within cycles of rest, reflection, work and worship. The Bible reminds us, for everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the sun. Our challenge is to discover how to keep that rhythm alive year-round, including summer, not by adding more to our plates, but by realigning what matters most.

Paula Behrens:

Before we dive into solutions, let's identify a few red flags that indicate imbalance might be creeping into your life. One, you feel constantly overwhelmed, even by small tasks. Two, you rarely rest without feeling guilty. Three, your spiritual life feels dry or rushed. Four, your relationships are strained because you're stretched too thin. Five, you wake up tired and go to bed anxious. Friend, if even one of those hits close to home, please hear this: you are not failing, you're just out of rhythm, and rhythms can be reset. Let's walk through a simple yet powerful rhythm you can use every day morning, midday and evening. This framework is not another burden. It's a gift to help you live well this summer.

Paula Behrens:

So, before the house stirs, before your phone lights up, before coffee even reaches your lips, choose stillness. Why? Because the world will start shouting the moment your feet hit the floor. But in the quiet, God whispers. Here's what to do. Read Isaiah 40, verse 31. Reflect on this verse, asking yourself, where do I need renewal today? Then say a simple prayer: God, I trust you to carry me today. Be my strength where I'm weak. And then journal a short affirmation like: I don't need to do it all. I just need to stay in step with the One who does.

Paula Behrens:

This five-minute devotional moment isn't about checking a box. It's about anchoring your soul before the day pulls at it. Bonus tip: keep your Bible in journal on your nightstand. Make it easy to reach for the word before the world. Okay, so midday is where life gets messy. Kids need things. Deadlines loom your energy dips. That's the perfect time for a sacred pause.

Paula Behrens:

Here's how you can create a midday refresh ritual. Step away for five to ten minutes. Apply a drop of Raven essential oil to the back of your neck. It'll provide a physical cooling sensation. Drink a full glass of cool water, breathe deeply and repeat Isaiah 40, verse 31, out loud. Then ask: Am I staying centered or am I striving in my own strength? This moment isn't indulgent. It's essential. It's a reminder that your pace matters. You don't need to crash to realize you're overcommitted. Here's a spiritual reminder. Jesus withdrew from crowds, often. You can too. How you end your day shapes how you enter the next.

Paula Behrens:

In the evening resist the urge to collapse into Netflix or scroll until sleep. Instead, try this rhythm of reflection. Diffuse a calming oil like lavender. Sit quietly with a notebook or journal. Reflect, what gave me life today? Where did I notice God at work? What drained me that I need to release? Then pray: Thank you for today, Lord. Help me rest in you, knowing that your grace fills the gaps. This isn't performance. It's a release. Lay it all down before the Lord. Trust God to carry the rest. And here's something powerful. Over time, these reflections become a testimony. You'll look back and see how God sustained you, healed you and held you together in seasons when balance seemed impossible.

Paula Behrens:

Let's get even more practical. If you're serious about cultivating life balance, here are some real-world actions you can take. Set healthy boundaries. Say no without explaining. Don't check work emails after 7 pm. Protect your Sabbath rest, even if it's just Sunday afternoons. Simplify your yeses. Ask yourself is this aligned with my priorities or is it just pressure? Remember a good thing isn't always a God thing. Schedule rest-like appointments. If it's not on the calendar, it won't happen.

Paula Behrens:

Block time for walks in nature, reading your Bible without rush and worship without distraction. Honor your body. Balance includes physical wellness. Nourish your body with water, movement and sleep. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, not a machine. Use visual reminders. Print Isaiah 40, verse 31 and post it on your bathroom mirror, your car dashboard, your fridge. Let it call you back to your center, back to balance, and remember that our physical bodies are not separate from our spiritual lives.

Paula Behrens:

When we are tired, dehydrated or depleted, we become more vulnerable to distraction, irritation and spiritual apathy. Balanced living includes hydration as worship, movement as celebration, rest as obedience, essential oils as support and nutrition as fuel for your God-given purpose. You are not called to burn out in Jesus' name. You are called to be a light in his name. Take early morning walks with worship music. Enjoy devotional picnics with your family. Keep a gratitude journal at the dinner table. Organize nature scavenger hunts to discover God's gifts. Take sunset prayer walks and end your evenings sitting on the porch with herbal tea and scripture.

Paula Behrens:

Think about summer as a time to integrate. Let your faith shape your fun and let your joy reflect your peace. Of course, there'll be days when it might not go so smoothly. You might forget to pray, snap at the kids and finish the day filling off balance again, and that's okay. God's mercies are new every morning. He doesn't need you to be perfect. He simply wants your presence and your progress. When you stumble, start again tomorrow. He'll be waiting with an everlasting strength that will get you back on track.

Paula Behrens:

Let's close with this thought. Balance isn't about controlling your life, it's about surrendering it to the One who already holds it all together. When you live in rhythm with God, you stop striving, you start flowing. You lead with grace, not grit. This doesn't mean life won't get messy. It will, but you'll respond with peace because you've created space internally and externally for God to move. You were never meant to run on empty. You were never called to exhaustion. You were created to live in sync with your Savior. This is the beauty of a balanced Christian life, a heart that's centered, a mind that's clear, a body that's cared for, a soul that's at rest.

Paula Behrens:

Here's your invitation. Choose one rhythm to start this week. Will you begin your mornings with Isaiah 40:31? Pause at midday with prayer and the Raven blend of oils? Reflect in the evening with gratitude? Choose one, let it become your new rhythm. Then build from there, because when you live in balance, you live in blessing. Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck.

Paula Behrens:

If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, prayerfully, consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule. incorporate essential oils into your spiritual practices, create an easy-to-follow tracking plan for consistency, and learn tried-and-true strategies to experience your quiet time with God, not just as a routine but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.