Caring For Ourselves

caring for ourselves - Is it selfish to take some time to care for myself?

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Luke 5:15-16

[Those who trust in the LORD] are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8

AS WOMEN, we often put our own needs on the back burner to instead take care of the needs around us. It is impossible to serve effectively from a depleted soul; eventually we will burn out. Caring for ourselves means carving out enough time to care for our soul as well as our body. This is not self-centeredness because caring for ourselves helps create space in our heart for God and others. Even Jesus had to get away from the crowds in order to experience rest and refreshment. Since God created each person uniquely, what restores your soul may be different from what someone else needs. Give yourself permission to practice self-care so that there is room in your heart for God and others.

Prayer Prompts

Lord, these practices, people, and activities most refresh my soul: . . .

Your Word reminds me that caring for my soul is important because . . .