I’m really pumped for the Super Bowl on Sunday, and can’t wait to see how the underdog Eagles approach this matchup with the reigning Super Bowl champion Patriots!

Although analysts are giving Philadelphia a chance to win this game, it’s hard to pick against New England at this stage.

Bill Belichick is known for his ability to take something away from his opponent’s offense. That may mean focusing on stopping one specific player or forcing a team to pass instead of run.

Determining what that strategy looks like against the Eagles has got to be challenging, however. During the playoffs, they ran the ball 49% of the time and passed on 51% of their plays – one of the most balanced offenses in the League.

Their balanced offense should keep the Patriots guessing, as they spread the ball around between multiple running backs, a reliable tight end, and proven threats at wide receiver.

Nick Foles is an accurate passer and has the ability to run if he needs to. The bottom line…the Eagles have proven they can win multiple ways, while their balanced offense allows them to succeed.

Being so one-sided or only focused on one element of the offense doesn’t work well in football, and is a good reminder for us to have balance in our lives.

When we allow our schedules to be filled with endless activities and commitments, we miss out on having time for rest and fun. When we spend countless hours on the couch watching TV, we let laziness get in the way of spending quality time with friends and family.

Job responsibilities often pile up, and working long hours prevents us from being with our wives and kids. If we become so focused on our careers, our social lives can easily dwindle, and taking care of ourselves with sleep and exercise can be nonexistent.

Each of us need to be aware of our “play calling,” so we’re not only “running the ball,” but “passing the ball” too. Life is much better when we have a rhythm that balances work and rest…social life and solitude…serving others and being served…and time in God’s Word and time in prayer.

When being too focused in one area causes us to neglect other areas of importance, our lives can get out of whack and unbalanced.

While Jesus was on earth doing ministry with His disciples, He gave them this valuable instruction: ”…’Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31 – ESV).

Jesus didn’t expect them to go-go-go without resting, so why do we think it’s okay to have the mentality of never slowing down? We can’t just run-run-run all the time without also regularly throwing a “pass.”

The Bible says in Psalm 127:2 (NLT), “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.”

God has given us so much to enjoy, beginning with Himself, and we must constantly remind ourselves not to let one area of our lives dominate our time and energy.

Let’s spread it around as we seek the Lord for peace and strength. Today, let’s start by making wise choices on how we spend our time…making sure He’s included in everything.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I’d learn to keep a more balanced life with a healthy and fruitful rhythm. Please show me areas that need adjusting, so I can enjoy all that You have for me. Most importantly, help me be more aware of Your presence so that I find my rest in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.