Affirmation: Self Or God? By Robin MeadowsUzorak

SELF AFFIRMATION:

“To take care of others, I first need to take care of myself.”

This is a tricky statement because it sounds so right. Yet, does scripture truly support it?

This mindset comes down to a matter of heart posture. Simply, are we focused more on ourselves or on others? 

So many of Jesus’ words are about giving, sacrificing, and denying ourselves. Paul speaks of considering others as more important than ourselves. Jesus removed all thought of himself. 

“Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human!” Philippians‬ ‭2:7‬ ‭TPT‬‬

God’s love is about self-sacrifice. Always giving. Always.   

I know. It doesn’t sound pleasant. It goes against our human nature.

“But, what about when we are drained, our tank is empty, when we have nothing left to give?” you ask. 

This tired and exhausted place is where our enemy meets us. It’s when we are most vulnerable to poor choices, harsh words, and other sin.  

But, being empty is a lie. Tired, yes! Overwhelmed? Sure. But never empty! We are conduits of His overflowing, ever-flowing Love and Life. His abundance never runs out! He doesn’t come as a trickle. No! He comes as a gushing Niagara Falls of enough, of more, of lavish mercy and grace. The Source never turns off. 

Jesus often slipped away from the crowds to pray (Luke 5:16). He got tired (Mark 4:38). Yet, most times the crowds followed him. Rather than sending the crowds away, he fed them because his compassion for others was always elevated above his own needs. Knowing the source of his abilities he rested and remained in the strength of his Father, especially when he couldn’t get away. 

When we feel depleted from ministering to and caring for others, maybe it’s because we’ve forgotten to abide in His presence—to remain in and with Him. When we are tired we may need a nap. Or maybe we need to move closer to Him and rest in His care. 

This is something we have to practice, and we will be given many opportunities. The very best care we can give ourselves is learning to align with and remain in Him. As we lean into Him and rely on His strength, our weak spiritual muscles will develop into strong arms of mercy and grace for others, even when we are tired.

...Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. ‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3 TPT‬ ‭

GOD AFFIRMATION: 

“I can still love and care for others even when I am tired, because He is my constant Source.”