Self Care
As we pursue habits that enable us to develop a greater trust in our Risen Lord, I want to talk to you about something important: Soul care. Now soul care is far more important than the traditional ideal of “self care”. It isn’t so much about vegging out in the front of a computer screen. It is about taking care of every part of us. It is choosing to place our spiritual needs, ahead of those specific and important physical needs.
Soul Care
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again (1 Thess. 5:23, NLT).
In 1 Thessalonians, we are reminded that the Lord will make us holy in every way. How can we put physical and emotional care ahead of our own spiritual needs? We need to come and sit with our Lord Jesus. “Come away with Me” is the message the Lord is giving us.
Come Away With Me
And He said to them, “Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat (Mark 6:31, BSB).
An important part of trusting the Lord is surrendering control. It can become far too easy to hold a tight grip on the temporary things, and in the process, we miss the opportunity to cling even tighter to our Lord Jesus Christ.
What are we doing, friends, when we place “self care” as a much higher priority than our own souls?
What self care sorely lacks is the soul rejuvenation that is going to carry us through the hard stuff. We can watch our favorite show for countless hours and end up far more depleted, and all in the name of self care. Self care is not a bad thing. It is actually a very good thing. But, let’s make it a better thing. Like Mary of Bethany, may we choose the better thing that will not be taken away from.
“But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend,] you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!”“
Maybe, the thing we truly need is to change how we care for our entire selves, so one area is not lacking.
How can we better meet our soul’s needs?
Assignment: Evaluate your way of self care. How can it promote soul care?
Maybe, you take a prayer walk.
Maybe, you just sit in God’s Presence
and allow Him to hold all of the anxieties you hold inside.
Maybe, you talk with the Lord about your struggle with control.
Gracefully Overcoming 