Devotionals for the Heart: God wants us to properly care for our bodies

Is Self-Care Selfish?
A devotional by Jessica Brodie

“Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”—Luke 12:7 (ESV)

Have you ever given a gift to someone and felt unreasonably protective about taking care of that gift before you gave it to them?

If I go to the store and buy something for myself, it can roll around in the back of my trunk until I get home, and I’m not terribly worried about it. But if I’ve bought a birthday gift for someone, I make sure it’s nestled carefully in my trunk so it won’t get trampled by the other things back there. Then when I get home, I keep it somewhere safe—preferably where the cats can’t massacre it—until I have the time to wrap it, topping it all off with a nice bow before I present it to them with love. I take care of that gift, making sure it’s in as good a shape as possible before it winds up in the hands of my loved one. After all, it’s a gift. It’s something precious, a tangible representation of my love and care.

But do we take care of ourselves, our bodies, with that same measure of care? Truthfully, not always. Perhaps we forget sometimes that our bodies are also a gift. Not only are they a gift that God gave to us—human houses for our souls, as well as the Holy Spirit who lives inside all believers—but also a gift that’s meant to be given away. We’re meant to lay down our lives for those we love (1 John 3:16), as well as to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord (Romans 12:1). We’re meant to die to the old so that we can embrace the new (Romans 6:5-6, Ephesians 4:22-24, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:3).

That’s not because our bodies are worthless garbage. It’s because it’s a genuine gift. Our bodies are one thing we can fully offer to the Lord, whether that’s in service or in sacrifice, whether that’s offering our life by defending the weak and the “least of these” or in living sacrifice as we respond in the aftermath of disasters, or by visiting prisoners, tending the ill, praising the Lord through music or dance, or feeding and caring for those without homes or food. Our bodies are precious, meant to be used in love, service, and care.

However, many of us see self-care as selfish. Perhaps we think if we’re truly being sacrificial, we are supposed to push ourselves until there’s nothing left. We work our lives away as though our bodies mean nothing. We put junk food in our bellies, we don’t get adequate sleep, we don’t take time to move and stretch and build our muscles, and then to feel better—or numb our pain, or maybe because we think it’s fun—we expose our bodies to toxic chemicals like drugs, too much alcohol, or other substances. We allow our bodies and our minds to get consumed by stress instead of stopping to tend the houses of our souls, the physical homes of the Holy Spirit on earth.

And perhaps we think there’s nothing wrong with that. But just like plants need to be cared for in order to produce crops or flowers, just like churches need tending and financial support to be able to truly be the body of Jesus Christ in the world, our bodies also have needs. They need for us to take care of them properly in the world for the Lord.

If you think about it, our bodies are a gift from God. They’re meant to be used by us, yes. But they’re also meant to be given away by us to the Lord, whatever that looks like. And if we’re truly intending for our bodies to be a gift, we shouldn’t be treating them like trash. I wouldn’t let my mom’s birthday gift roll around in my trunk, getting crushed and mangled, only to present it to her with a sheepish grin, “Here you go! Sorry it’s a catastrophe!”

Our bodies are the same. We don’t want to present them to the Lord in poor shape. So no, self-care is not selfish. It’s stewardship. It’s an act of love care and respect for a gift that God gave  us in his perfect love.

If you’re struggling to see your body in this way, stop and consider how God might view how you’re treating yourself. If that’s difficult to wrap your mind around, then consider how you might react to a small child hurting herself, driving herself to the point of pain and debilitation. Wouldn’t you encourage her to take a nap, have a good meal, or slow down and rest? That’s how God feels about you and about every one of His children on this earth.

Our bodies are precious to the Lord. Every aspect of who you are is precious to the Lord. Remember this.

Let’s Pray: Lord God, sometimes I treat myself like an afterthought but I’m no afterthought to You. I was created in perfect love, handcrafted by You. Help me honor Your love in the way I treat myself and care for my body, mind, and soul. Help me care for the gift You gave with proper stewardship that honors You. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Sanctuary | Alpha & Omega | Total Praise” by Israel & New Breed. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Jessica Brodie is an award-winning Christian novelist, journalist, editor, blogger, and writing coach. She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. 

Her two Christian contemporary novels, The Memory Garden and Tangled Roots, are Amazon bestsellers. Learn more about Jessica’s writing ministry and read her faith blog at http://jessicabrodie.com.

She has a YouTube devotional, and you can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and more. She’s also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When You’re Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed.

Devotionals for the Heart: How I learned to survive dry seasons in life

When You’re Experiencing a Dry Season
A devotional by Terry Overton

“But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.”—Genesis 39:21 (ESV)

The week was one to remember—and not in a good way.

As a caregiver for a loved one, my own strength and faith must be intact for me to have the energy and organization to complete all routines. However, just as the saying goes that you have probably heard from flight attendants, “Put your own mask on first.” This statement means that if I don’t have sufficient strength and oxygen, I cannot meet the needs of others. Yet here I was.

The morning that tested everything within me began like most days: preparing a quick breakfast, checking on medications, and taking our little dog for a walk.

Shortly after the walk, while sitting on my porch reading Scripture, a yellow jacket bee zoomed in from nowhere and inserted its painful stinger into my finger. Not a big deal for many, but being allergic to stings, it was a way to ruin an entire week.

Thankfully, the urgent care center is only a few minutes away from my house, and after employing the usual immediate interventions, I was able to find my way there and receive treatment. The weeklong steroid therapy took its toll. Five days passed with a range of only two to four hours of sleep each night until I was able to finish the round of medication.

On that last day, I woke up after only two hours of sleep. My well was dry. I had nothing left. No strength, no cheer, no creativity. My mind went to the Bible story about Joseph being thrown by his brothers into a dry cistern. They referred to him as a dreamer and the favorite son. Filled with jealousy, they stripped Joseph of the special coat given to him by their father and took away his dignity. They threw him into a dry cistern and decided to get rid of him by selling him into slavery in another country. His peaceful life was exchanged for the worst predicament one can imagine. He had no power. But he had faith in God.

As the Bible story reveals, Joseph’s demise was temporary. We learn he would not have been able to save his family and thousands of others had he not been thrown in that pit. As we study this story, it becomes apparent that the pit was not the end; it was a holding place for something more important. Joseph had to go there so he could become a world leader years later and save the very brothers who abandoned him. The cistern was a brief but essential stop in the history of Joseph’s story in the Bible and the history of his people. Joseph’s suffering was for a purpose.

But how did Joseph make it through those challenging times? First, he believed God was with him no matter the circumstances. He knew that God had been with him in the past and would continue to be with him, keeping His promises, along the way. Even when everyone around him begged him to give up and surrender, he maintained his integrity. He did not rush into trying to control situations. He trusted God. After all his difficulties, he did not become bitter or take out his frustration and anger on the people around him. Had he not relied on his firmly grounded faith, he would not have been able to wait on God’s timing and God’s plans.

Remaining firm in faith is of vital importance for self-care. Joseph maintained his faith and strength. He stayed grounded and waited on God. For me, taking this week to be in a “pit” helped me see how vital self-care and the strength of my spirit are for the care of my loved one. Following the example of Joseph, I realized that like Joseph, I needed to remain strong even when circumstances were against me. If I am to impart cheerfulness, faith, and hope, I must have energy and the warmth in my heart provided to me by the Holy Spirit. To impart faith, I must have it, to impart hope, I must feel it and to provide care, I must pray for strength and energy to complete this job God has placed before me. Feeling like I was in a dry well gave me time to read, reflect, and pray. Following this self-care steps ensured that my strength and energy would return.

The same is true for mothers, teachers, wives, sons, and daughters, who care for elderly family members. We are all God’s workers serving His purpose, even when our circumstances are difficult. When we find ourselves feeling like there is nothing left, feeling abandoned, forgotten, unloved, disliked, and even struck down, perhaps this is a holding place for us as we renew our faith and strength and wait for the next step in God’s plan.

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for filling my heart with Your Spirit. When I face hardships that feel too heavy for my heart, I know I am not facing these difficult times alone. You are with me. Help me to keep my eyes on You and wait for your plans to emerge. Remind me to wait on Your timing. I pray that You continue to strengthen me so that I may complete the work You have placed before me.

In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Wait on the Lord” by Donnie McClurkin. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “Joseph’s Song” by Shelly E. Johnson. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. 

Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean.

She has two children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.

Her previous writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She now seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals.

Over the years, Terry’s books have won the Mom’s Choice Award, Christian Indie Award, Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Pencraft Award, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her writing examines real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

Terry’s background in teaching adults and children shine through her stories that often include a character with educational or learning challenges. Her Christmas series, The Oddball Ornaments, features a box of misfit ornaments who first learn the meaning of Christmas and then discover the meaning of forgiveness. In The Underground Book Readers series, one of the main characters is on the autism spectrum yet is one of the leaders of the group of teens. Book one of a new series, The Messiah Brigade, features an awkward middle school nerd who helps his school turn around a bully gang of kids. Adoption and family issues are the focus of her new book, Charlotte McMaster and the Messenger Angel.

Terry lives in Texas and enjoys reading, taking pictures for devotional posts on social media, visiting with her family, playing golf, and writing.

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Connect with Terry:
Website: https://www.authorterryoverton.com
Blog: https://terryovertonbooks.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/overtont

Devotionals for the Heart: What to do when you're running on empty

Are You Running on Empty?
A devotional by Joyce M. Averils

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Recently, my friend Annie shared a story that made me stop and reflect for a minute. She ran out of gas right in the middle of one of the busiest intersections in Atlanta. Let me tell you her story of how she got there.

Annie had been having a typical week at the office, which for her meant long hours, back-to-back meetings, and deadlines that kept piling up. Then, in the middle of all that, a close friend got sick and needed someone to care for her. Without hesitation, Annie stepped in. That meant in addition to her demanding sixty-plus hour workweek, she was now preparing meals, picking up prescriptions, and running errands for her friend.

On the outside, she seemed to be managing it all with grace. She juggled work, caregiving, and life’s many other responsibilities until the moment her car wouldn't start. She had just stopped at a red light at Peachtree Street and North Avenue, a major intersection, during the chaos of rush hour traffic. When the light turned green, she pressed the gas pedal and nothing happened. Panic set in. What was wrong? Was the car battery dead? Had the engine failed? She glanced at the dashboard for warning lights, but nothing seemed out of place. Then her eyes dropped to the fuel gauge. It indicated that her gas tank was empty.

In all of her busyness, she had completely forgotten to stop for gas. She meant to. She knew she needed to. But there was always one more thing to do, one more errand to run, one more person who needed her help. And now, at the worst possible moment, her car had come to a complete stop.

Have you ever felt like that? Like you're constantly moving, giving, and doing but never stopping to refuel? Life can be overwhelming at times. Between work, family, ministry, and personal responsibilities, it's easy to push yourself to the limit without realizing how exhausted you’ve become.

Women especially are known for being expert multitaskers. We take pride in our ability to juggle multiple roles, to be there for everyone who needs us. And sometimes, we even convince ourselves that we can keep going without stopping because there’s just too much to do. But here’s the truth: Just like a car, you cannot run on empty. At some point, if you don’t stop to refuel, you will come to a complete halt – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And often, it happens at the most inconvenient time.

Even Jesus Christ’s disciples struggled with this. In Mark 6:30-32, the disciples were so busy ministering to people that they didn’t even have time to eat. Jesus saw their exhaustion, so He told them in Mark 6:31 (NIV): “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So, they stepped away. They didn’t argue that there was more work to do. They didn’t feel guilty for taking a break. They followed Christ’s lead and withdrew to a quiet place for rest.

If you feel like you’re running on empty, take a moment to stop. Give yourself permission to rest. Find your quiet place—whether that’s a morning walk, time in prayer, or just sitting in silence with God’s Word. Let Him refill and restore you. Because when you take time to refuel, you’ll find the strength to keep going not just for a moment, but for the long haul.

This is the lesson my friend Annie learned. She told me that while she waited for AAA to bring her some gas, she had the time for the first time that week, to get quiet and really talk to the Lord. In that moment, she realized that just like her gas tank, she was running on empty—something she did not have to do. It was a frustrating and scary way to learn the lesson, but it got her attention. Now she remembers that she must take the time to check her personal tank on a regular basis, just like she checks her gas tank, to make sure it is not empty.

Annie’s story is a lesson for all of us.

Let’s Pray: Lord, I’m tired. I need rest. So, I am coming to you today to lay everything down at your feet. I pray for the space to stop, refuel, and rest in You. Energize me physically and spiritually so that I can be the woman You are calling me to be in every area of my life. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Worn” by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Joyce M. Averils is an attorney by education and a retired judge who currently works as a Life Purpose and Business Empowerment Coach. 

She attended the University of South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Social Sciences, with a concentration in Political Science in May 1981. Upon graduation from the University, she attended The Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law, where she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in June 1984. Joyce was admitted to the Georgia Bar in November of 1984.

During her legal career, she served as the legal advisor for an episode of the American television program “Designing Women”. She also successfully argued a zoning case before the Georgia Supreme Court.

Today, she is the founder of Averils Omnimedia, LLC. It includes Her RICH Coaching where she helps high-achieving women of faith create a purpose-aligned life and business through coaching programs, workshops, and retreats. She recently launched 26th & Alden Paper Design House which will release its first paper product in early 2025.

Joyce believes that God created women to accomplish the extraordinary by living their purpose, calling, and assignment. He has chosen every woman to fulfill a calling that is hers alone. And if she does not answer that calling, then that work will never be done. Joyce knows that there are people who are waiting for help that only God can give and only God can use His people to help each other. Joyce believes that we are called by God to help each other. She wants to answer that call and inspire others to answer it too so we can be of service to God.

Her life verse is John 17:4 (NIV), “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” In addition to being an entrepreneur, Joyce currently serves as the Associate Teaching Director for the Community Bible Study International class in Georgetown, SC.

Joyce makes her home on the coast of South Carolina.

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Connect with Joyce:
Website: www.herrichlife.com
Facebook Ministry: www.facebook.com/groups/thepurposealignedwoman
Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/coachlabforaspiringchristianwomencoaches
Facebook: www.facebook.com/@HerRichLife
Instagram: www.instagram.com/herrichlife
Email address: joyce@herrichlife.com

Devotionals for the Heart: Self-Care

The Rainbow and Self-Care
A devotional by Chaplain Paul Anderson

“As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”– Genesis 8:22 (NLT)

Crises are what they are because they suddenly and sometimes imperceptibly rob us of our sense of self, autonomy, community and security. When the enemy is silent and invisible, it is feared all the more because there is no apparent defense against it. We are vulnerable and as we have seen with COVID-19 the enemy may be indiscriminate and merciless.

Yet in the midst of it all, one day I went outside and almost immediately my visage, countenance and perspective changed. Why? Because I saw the sky. It was limitless. The clouds were floating silently in their appointed courses, gathering moisture to deliver somewhere else as rain.

I looked at the trees and the grass and saw that they were becoming verdant and green. Birds were chirping and squirrels were darting across the yard and through the trees. It occurred to me then, that a pandemic can stop the world economy. Travel, commerce, community and church stopped and regrouped. However, the earth kept spinning on its axis, which made the clouds move. The orbit around the sun changed the season from Winter to Spring.

Then I remembered the rainbow and God’s promise that from now on and forever, there will be seed time and harvest. The cycle of cold and heat, Summer and Winter will persist and day will inexorably, follow night.

That blessed assurance of tomorrow comes with a divine guarantee that each sunrise will be accompanied by new mercies and compassion sufficient for the day, because God is faithful. Great is thy faithfulness. That faithfulness gives us hope.

My sense of hope and my identity and security in Christ were renewed when I went outside and looked up. If you are feeling the blues because of this current pandemic, the isolation borne of social distancing, and the incessant news, get up! Go outside! Look up at the sky and see the vastness. Look at the nature around you and be comforted that Our God is greater than COVID-19 and any other malady that we might meet.

Go outside and see if you don’t reconnect with your sense of hope, security, and purpose. I did, and several songs came to mind: “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less,” “I Know My Redeemer Lives,” “Because He Lives,” and “Blessed Assurance,” among others.

So, when you go outside in your yard, balcony or courtyard, look up! Look around!

Feel the air on your skin and perhaps be soothed by a breeze. Listen for the birds chirping and the sounds of your neighborhood. Listen for the whisper of God in your soul.

Does a song come to mind? If so, let it envelop you and wash through your psyche. You may begin to relax. Vital metrics may slow down and balance. Whatever your experience will be, I would like to hear about. Leave a comment below this blog post and let’s talk about what you heard and felt when in pursuit of self care, you went outside.

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Author Bio:

Chaplain Anderson served for 20 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. Over 26 years of active duty, he was promoted through the ranks from Seaman Apprentice (E2) to his final rank as Commander (O5) in the Chaplain’s Corps.

Prior to his Naval career, Chaplain Anderson pastored in the Allegheny East and Potomac Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists. His undergraduate preparation for ministry was completed at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md.

He has subsequently earned four graduate degrees: a Master of Divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, a Master of Education in Counseling and Personnel Services from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and a Masters of Sacred Theology in Religion and Culture from Boston University. His Doctor of Ministry degree was conferred by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Chaplain Anderson also completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He also holds certifications in Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Civil Mediation, Alternative Workplace Dispute Resolution, Temperament Analysis, Marriage Enrichment, Workforce Diversity, and is a certified Life Coach.