Caring for Yourself While Serving God and OthersSýnishorn

Easy Targets

If you’re struggling emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually right now, you might feel like an easy target for the enemy.

Exhaustion, worry, anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, loneliness, and bitterness are weapons the enemy uses to keep us feeling helpless and paralyzed.

But we have the power to launch a counterattack.

We have God Almighty on our side. He’s given us an entire arsenal of battle weapons in the form of scripture, prayer, fasting, praise, and worship. Plus, as believers, we have access to the full armor of God.

The results can be transformative when we pair these spiritual tools with self-care practices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and taking time to enjoy God-given interests, hobbies, and friendships.

By using the tools God gives us to take care of ourselves, we can be better prepared for attacks on our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Application

• If you feel particularly vulnerable to attacks from the enemy during this season, consider making a list of tactics the enemy often uses and strategies you can leverage to launch a counterattack.
• Reflect on the last time you participated in a life-giving activity, interest, or hobby. Thank the Lord for giving you opportunities to do things you enjoy — whether that’s spending time with friends, attending a concert, painting or sculpting, enjoying nature, playing an instrument, reading a book, exploring a new city, or something else altogether.
• If you can’t remember the last time you spent time doing something you love, make a plan to do so in the next few weeks. If responsibilities prevent you from enjoying certain hobbies or interests, consider asking a close friend or family member to help so you can schedule time to be refreshed.