Self-Care and Spirituality

Being close to my pastor has given me the privilege of walking alongside many people in their spiritual journeys. 

In the process, I have come to realize our mental health is not any less significant than our spiritual well-being. Actually, the two are very much interconnected. 3 John 1:2 says, 

"Dear friend, I know that you are spiritually well. I pray that you're doing well in every other way and that you're healthy." 

This verse so eloquently encompasses what God wants for us-spiritual prosperity, yet also extending into all the other facets of our lives.

The Place Where Self-Care and Faith Meet

I have met so many along the way who think somehow self-care is selfish or less spiritual, but let me remind you, it is necessary-taking care of yourself-and it's biblical! 

You remember Jesus went out to pray by Himself? Even the Son of God needed a refuel, and if Jesus needed that, how much more do we?

One Sunday, feeling drained after an extremely busy week trying to juggle the care of a grieving family, the writing of a sermon, and the counseling of a couple whose marriage was on shaky grounds, my pastor was exhausted by Saturday evening, having prepared nothing, and still had a sermon to write. 

So I did what many times he had advised others not to do; namely, he pushed through the fatigue. When Sunday morning finally came, he delivered the sermon, but somehow he knew something wasn't right.

He wasn't into it. I afterwards greeted him and asked, "Pastor, I could feel your heart, but today you seemed tired. Are you okay?" 

Well, that woke him up. He knew at that time he wasn't practicing what he preached. He wasn't taking care of himself.

From then on, self-care became an integral priority in ministry. He began to set aside several times a week to rest and pray, and to do things that rejuvenate my soul, whether it be walks in nature, reading a good book, or just spending quiet time with God.

Spiritual Practices as Self-Care

Spirituality brings a host of practices that double as self-care. Prayer, meditation, and worshipping are also excellent avenues for keeping in good mental shape, not only to communicate with God. 

When we pray, the burdens are lifted unto God, where He can carry what we cannot. As it reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7, 

"Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God's peace, which goes beyond anything we can conceive, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus." 

This peace God gives is a kind of self-care, divine balm to the anxious mind.

Another story that comes to my mind is about a woman in our congregation who was struggling with anxiety. Life overwhelmed her: work, family, and all the pressure to be everything to everybody.

 We chatted about including more spiritual practices in her daily coping. She started her day with prayer, meditation on God's Word, and time to be still before the Lord. 

And as time went on, she began to realize great improvement with her mental health. She told me, "Brother, it's like I have rediscovered my anchor. God has been my hiding place, and somehow, I feel so much at peace again."

 The Power of Community

And lastly, there is community. God never intended for any of us to live life in isolation. As Galatians 6:2 encourages us, 

"Help carry each other's burdens. In this way you will follow Christ's teachings." 

Being part of a supportive faith community plays an important role in spiritual and mental health. 

It's within these communities we receive encouragement, accountability, and the important reminder that we are not alone.

Conclusion: 

Self-care and spirituality are not the two opposite sides of the coin; they are a match. Taking care of ourselves-mind, body, and spirit-is how we honor God and better prepare for Him and others. 

So take time this week to rest, recharge, and reconnect with your Creator. Your health matters to God, and it should matter to you too.

May God richly bless you as you concentrate on regaining your health and press on with your spiritual lives.

**Scripture References**:

- 3 John 1:2 (GW)

- Philippians 4:6-7 (GW)

- Galatians 6:2 (GW)