Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God….”
Self-care is really hard for me. While I understand the importance of taking time to rest and renew, I have a hard time putting it into practice personally. It feels incredibly indulgent and selfish. The irony is that I would argue mightily for the importance of self-care, the need for self-care, the significance of self-care to anyone, especially those who spend great chunks of their day caring for others—teachers, nurses, parents, those in ministry, etc. I just seem to have a really hard time actually putting it into practice for myself. Jesus, Help me.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him….”
Compassion fatigue is real. When you give (and give and give and give) so much of yourself in the care of others and don’t take time to renew yourself, to reconnect with your power source, you are going to run out of reserves—mental, physical, and emotional energy to keep caring for others. I feel that is where I am, yet I balk at the idea of putting my needs first, of taking time for myself. Jesus, Help me.
Psalm 62:5 For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the mental clarity to see exactly where I am right now. I’m exhausted—mentally, physically, emotionally. It feels selfish and indulgent to look after myself when there is so much need all around me, Lord, but I absolutely feel You calling me to be still in Your presence. Help me to be still, Lord, to sit at Your feet, to soak in Your peace and Your presence. Restore my soul, Lord, so that I can help care for and encourage Your people. Draw me closer. Amen.
Mark 4:39 And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.