God honoring self care

Last week, I needed to pause. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, I just needed a pause.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30, ESV

In the scripture above, God is reminding us that rest and peace reside in Him. As a born-again Christian, living a life led by and seeking the will of God includes the Lord leading our rest.

The trend of self care gained popularity along with affirmations. And similar to affirmations I want to state that self care is good.

Also, just like affirmations, self care needs to be placed in the hands of our Heavenly Father.

Does your favorite self care activity include writing or dinner with friends? Are your actions and words God honoring, reflecting the love of Jesus? Is your favorite self care activity outdoor time? Do you marvel in the wonder of God and bask in His creation?

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2, ESV

I saw an affirming statement of self care stating something like “I am worth making time for”. You are surely valued and loved in the sight of our Lord but that statement also puts the responsibility on you.

“I am worth making time for a weekly prayer walk, where I can talk, hear and be with God”. That statement acknowledges that yes, you carve out the time and take the steps but God, He fulfills the promise.

Is your self care truly restorative? Place it in the hands of the Lord today and find His peace, rest and renewal.

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.

isaiah 40:28-31, NIV

Trust God. Seek Him. Be Affirmed in Christ.