Self-Care!

30 Jun Self-Care!

June 30, 2024

Self-Care!

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Today’s message is on self-care, the kind of attention and rescue help we all need from time to time just for us. I like the online definition of the term self-care. “The role of taking an active role in one’s wellbeing and happiness”.  Like many people who have been told we don’t know how to rest.  We are always on to the next, this, that, or the other, especially if we have a servant’s heart.  The need to look after ourselves is so foreign to some that we need God to help us sort it out.   And He will.

Christ is the answer, and He responds before we call on Him. He rejoices over us. Call His name right now and watch Him like a mighty rushing wind show up.  See, He appears in the form of what we need. Support from out of nowhere, an unexpected day off because of the weather, a card in the mail that makes you laugh and smile, an unexpected visit, or your sister taking the kids for the summer, a phone call.  You need to get some “me time” a little or a lot, depending on what you need.  Christ Jesus will supply whatever supporting tool and person you need to be your best. 

Things to consider on the Journey

Rest and Go to Sleep.

We have to care enough about ourselves to rest; Jesus did. Luke 5:16 says, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Or, as my uncle Ulice used to tell me, “Girl, you have to lay down to get up.” The National Sleep Foundation says the hours of sleep needed are based on age and health, but their guidelines say that seven hours a night is the least amount of sleep everyone needs. Take a vacation plan and execute the trip near, far, or a staycation will work; just the thought of getting away from the routine will revive you.  

Take care of your body.

Everything functions better when it is at the best performance level, spiritually and physically.  Exercise, eat well, and stay in the Word of God.  Add some days a few times yearly and attend a Bible conference or concert.   1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Also, 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”  It’s summertime outside! Walk, run, bike take advantage of the weather. Look your best too, treat yourself to a new outfit.

Know where you are financially.

Finances can cause stress mentally and physically. Know your total debt, including mortgages and car notes. Check your savings accounts, too, especially those retirement accounts, because they fluctuate. Ask the Lord for a strategy for getting/staying out of debt and increasing your storehouses.

Proverbs 3-9-10 says  “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:  Also, Proverbs 21:20 “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” And finally remember the old saying “Don’t lend what you can’t afford to give.”

Declutter your heart and your mind.

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV

23 Above all else, guard your heart, foreverything you do flows from it.

24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Give careful thought to the[a] paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil.

Also, 2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Invest in Yourself

Warren Buffett. Said, “The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself….”

Hey, so take that online class that will help you move to the next level on the job, at home, and in your personal life. Delegate, reorganize your schedule, and use that time to work on yourself.

Finally, our prayer life is vital in self-care. Many of us know when we are at our wit’s end, but we keep pushing on.  It’s great for the company or your family, but it’s not the best scenario for you.  God wants only the best for us, so let’s work on it.  3 John 1:2 says “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 💕

Theresa Woodard