A Mom's Identity In Christনমুনা

Day 2: What God Says About Self-Care

How many times have we burned ourselves into the ground doing for everyone around us, tired, frustrated, and sometimes sad? I can recall so many moments when I had a plan for my husband, my kids, and myself only to realize at the end of the day all I feel like saying is “I QUIT!” Feeling so overwhelmed and simply spent, looking to God like, 'I’m just trying to steward my life so why am I falling short right now?' Here is the thing; God calls us to be Christlike which means thinking more of others. The catch is that in order to do for others we are to take care of ourselves and our salvation. In 1 Corinthians 6, we are told that our body is a temple and it is to be treated as such. A million times I have said to myself, “I NEED to do this” or “why can’t I just…?” Those were just excusing lies I told myself, instead of walking into God ‘s greatness for me, flaws included. We must guard our minds from the lies we tell ourselves, and those the enemy tries creeping into so many aspects of our lives, as we steward our bodies in a healthy way from our head to our heart and down to exercise.

Self-care is not just going to the spa or dropping the kids off at their grandparents (which are still amazing). Self-care is when you take the time to grow spiritually so you are not conformed to this world (Romans 12:1-2). Then you won’t feel so enamored or burnt out to everyone else’s expectations. I realized so many times that when I was trying so hard to do for others, that I was just falling into a trap of fighting to accomplish others' expectations. The interesting part was that I never stopped to say why am I not looking for God’s expectations and grace for me, instead of others'. In the event you have so much angst as many of us moms do, God says to cast all of our anxiety and worry on him (1 Peter 5: 7-9). The beginning of true self-care starts and ends in Him. Study to show thyself approved. Thus permeating your heart so that in moments of anxiousness, overwhelm and tiredness, you have a word to help you know what you need to help or to do. As a mom we forget all of the wonderful things God placed on this earth for us to take delight in. The world of family and motherhood at the end of the day are a blessings, and set in place to show us His word in action. Once you rest in Him and on His promises, the things you do for others and how you do them will glorify Him because of why you are doing them.

PRAYER: Today I am learning to create balance in my everyday life. Jesus, allow me to find peace in the little moments. Show me where I need to take time for myself. Help me to have a hunger and desire for Your word and for You.

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1.  God, am I caring for my soul the way You want me to? 

2.  What are my expectations for myself?

3.   Are these expectations ones that serve me to advance in his kingdom?

Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 5:7-9