Self-care, of any kind, is a concept often misunderstood and misinterpreted, but it is significant in our spiritual well-being. In American society, it has been both overemphasized and underappreciated. We usually find ourselves swinging between extremes — some prioritize self-care to the point of neglecting others, while others sacrifice their well-being for those around them.
Having just seen Mother’s Day come and go, it dawned on me that self-care is an opportunity reserved almost exclusively for moms on that one day. Once a year, moms get the self-care treatment of breakfast in bed, a basket of lotions and bubble baths, fuzzy socks, flowers, and a full day of rest.
Self-care sounds helpful for anyone busy with life on any given day. But if we’re honest with each other, we’re not good at it. Many of us struggle with taking time to take care of ourselves.
So, today, we will listen to a promise Jesus made to His disciples at the Last Supper and even what that has to do with us today.
Jesus is preparing the disciples for the day He could no longer be physically present. He offers them comfort by promising them this in John 14:16–18: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him; he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans but come to you.”
Did you hear that? Jesus says: I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you. Hang on to that thought.
Jesus was preparing His disciples for a time when He wouldn’t be in their world. He wouldn’t be there to take care of them. They would need Him, but He would be gone. They would want to go to Him for help, but He wouldn’t be there.
Knowing this, Jesus promised them: I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you.
Jesus asked the Father to send the Holy Spirit. That’s who He was talking about — the Advocate, the Counselor, the Comforter. He sent it to them then and still sends the Holy Spirit today. He does not leave us as orphans, either. He comes to us. He comes to you.
When He meets you in your prayer, meditation, or other moments of spiritual care, you can rest in Him and know that He will take care of all your needs (mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional). You can rest knowing that He had a plan for you all along. He planned not to leave you as orphans but to come to you.
This week, spend a few moments reflecting on the wounds you carry that the Holy Spirit needs to tend. Write them down, meditate on them, and offer them to Him. Choose to trust Him to show up and take care of you when you invite Him into the hurting and step into the holiness of his presence.
Please Thank God For: all those who continue to support this ministry here in South Florida. Each gift reminds us that we are not alone.
Please Pray For: the Pool of Bethesda, Ruach Ministries, and Beth T’flah who rent space from us and assist in ministry.
Please Pray For: Our confirmation students who continue to study, learn, and grow alongside one another.
Please pray For: Joey, who will undergo surgery today.
Please Thank God For: Joy, being finished with her chemotherapy.
Please Pray For: Joyce Brosch, and her ongoing therapy.
Please Pray For: God to forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us
Please Pray For: Jered Kieon, who was in a serious ATV accident.
Please Pray For: Geri Nay, who is struggling with chemo and heart problems.
Please Pray For: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Thank God For: All those who lift us up in prayer.
Please Pray For: Leela Izzo, that God would strengthen and heal her.
Please Pray For: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please pray For: all those who are out of work.
Please: “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored” (2 Thess. 3:1).