Self-care is a trending topic on my social media pages. "Me time" photos populate my newsfeed: pedicures-in-progress. Mason jars overflowing with ice cream treats. Fancy grande lattes and delicious looking meals. Shopping bags full from retail therapy.
Self-care is a real thing. Demanding workloads stress us. Toxic relationships wear on us. Balancing crazy-busy work-and-home life schedules exhaust us.
We need to decompress, exhale and we must take care of our physical bodies.
As I scanned over my news feed with the latest check-ins at the hair salon and selfies on the beach, I thought about how our physical pampering is temporal: it only lasts for a fleeing moment before the cycle repeats itself.
But what about our spiritual care? Soul care…that will have an immediate, lasting impact and cease the spiraling effects of our busy, exhausting lives?
When was the last time we checked in with Jesus? Or allowed ourselves to soak in the Son?
So as you sit in the chair for that well-deserved pedicure, don’t forget that if you ask, the Lord will set your tired feet on a solid rock and make your footsteps firm. (Psalm 40:2b). You don’t have to walk in chaos and confusion: His word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. (Psalm 119:105).
Think that scrumptious mason jar full of ice cream, toppings, whipped cream and the cherry to top is overflowing with goodness? Our Good Shepherd knows your every need, hurt and yearning. Seek Him and He will lead you into green pastures, beside still waters and give you rest. He will restore your soul. He will walk with you through the valley of fear. He will prepare a table for you in the presence of your enemy. He will anoint your head with oil and your cup will run over. Surely, His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! (Psalm 23)
A grande latte is good until the last swallow, but a drink of the Living Water is thirst-quenching and never-ending. But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:14)
There is something stress-relieving about sitting at a table with friends and devouring platefuls of comfort food. Yet long after the meal, when you’re home alone and those troubling thoughts return, indulge yourself in the Word and be truly satisfied. In John 6:35, Jesus said He is the Bread of life; the one who comes to Him will not be hungry, and the one who believes in Him will never be thirsty. Taste and see, that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:8)
While your shopping bag may be filled with bargain finds, be sure to fill your soul with treasures that will not be destroyed by moth or rust, nor stolen by thieves. (Matthew 6:19) Seek the Peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6). Don’t settle for buying cheap happiness; instead invest and rejoice in the genuine Source of inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:8). And never forget: your sin-debt was paid in full! (John 3:16).
The next time the demands of work begin to stress you, relationships wear on you, and life exhausts you, take the time to step away to a quiet place; call upon the Lord, pray to Him and seek Him with your all your heart and you will find Him. (Jeremiah 29:12-13).
Remember: you are redeemed. You are chosen. You are beloved.
Take care, my friend.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to the one who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
~ Isaiah 40:29-31