MAY 24, 2025

 “I see a world on the edge of a blade. Without balance, it will fall.” 

― Victoria Aveyard

1 CHRONICLES 11-13

15Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 18So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the Lord. 19“God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.(11:31-33)

JOHN 9:1-23

1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7“Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

JOURNAL 

These passages from Chronicles highlight the remarkable devotion and courage of David's mighty warriors. David was greatly blessed with skilled and committed individuals who supported him wholeheartedly, enabling him to become the celebrated king he was (1 Chronicles 11:10-14). Intriguingly, David's most profound failures often occurred when he acted in isolation or without proper accountability (2 Samuel 11-12).

In John's Gospel, Jesus healing the blind man illustrates spiritual illumination and the disruption it caused among religious leaders. Their inability to grasp Jesus’ identity as the Messiah stemmed from their rigid expectations focused solely on earthly deliverance rather than spiritual transformation (John 9:13-16).

Balance is a critical theme here—how can I achieve and maintain it in my life? Frequently, I struggle between overestimating my significance or underestimating my value. Scripture reminds me my life is precious, imbued with unique gifts and talents by God (Psalm 139:14), yet fleeting, a mere breath in the grand scheme of eternity (James 4:14). Maintaining proper perspective means continually honoring God while avoiding the pitfalls of pride or self-deprecation.

Achieving balance requires daily, intentional spiritual practices: scripture study, prayer, meditation, and surrendering every circumstance and decision to God (Romans 12:1-2). Without this discipline, I risk veering to unhealthy extremes—either inflated self-importance or diminished self-worth, both spiritually detrimental paths.

David himself struggled with this balance, yet scripture transparently portrays his life, allowing me to see both his failures and God's consistent, redeeming grace (Psalm 51). The apostles faced similar challenges, Peter notably exemplifying the balance between human error and divine restoration (John 21:15-19).

Ultimately, balance is found in closeness to God—relying on His guidance and grace through every trial and triumph. God's redemptive power assures that even my mistakes serve His purpose and bring about spiritual growth (Romans 8:28). This divine gift surpasses any worldly success, offering eternal peace and fulfillment.

1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

ROMANS 12:1-2