0
0
Winter is here, and I’m unsure where Fall went I blinked, and it was gone. Now snowflakes as big as quarters fall from the sky and anyone denying Winter’s grasp must admit defeat. The trees around our home have embraced the chill. They are dumping all their leaves in preparation for a season of internal renewal. What appears to us as dormant is far from it the tree is methodical, conserving energy, and making repairs in preparation for abundant growth next Spring. The tree was designed this way, and we also are designed for rest and renewal. Our society tells us that rest is lazy. That success means being doubled booked from now until eternity, and stress is a commodity to be shared and traded as war stories of a life well lived. Then after you burn yourself to a crisp, and ruin everything, drop what remains and take a lavish vacation, you have earned it. This is not how we were designed to live!
God not only cares about our spiritual health he also deeply cares about our physical and mental health. Biblical self-care doesn’t look like spa days every Tuesday or lavish vacations, although both sound lovely. Biblical self-care does not require an endless supply of discretionary funds or months available to drop it all and get away. Biblical self-care is demonstrated by Jesus, the countless times he spent in prayer, service, and fellowship.
16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 5:16 NIV
Jesus encouraged his apostles to do the same.
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Mark 6:30-32 NIV
32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.
As we enter the Holiday Season, let us make Biblical self-care a priority, going back to the Bible for our needs and rooting deeply into the Word of God.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior and King, let us recognize the value of Biblical self-care so we can treasure this time of year giving freely, loving deeply, and cherishing the reason for the season.
In a world that tells us to go faster, push harder, become exhausted and we can achieve it all. I reject these things because they are not Biblical truths from your word. You love us, and you want to give us peace and that peace can only be found through you, Jesus. Let us prepare our hearts with Biblical self-care, in prayer, meditation, and fellowship. When we become weary remind us of the looming harvest, encourage us to find solitude, and lay down the burden we were never intended to carry. Let us turn to scripture and in all things give thanks to you Jesus. You alone are the reason for the Season. -Amen