Self Care is the Best Care

Matthew 11:25-30 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Hey! Hi, and hello, my Pretty friends. I hope this newsletter finds you presenting reasonable endeavors that thrive yielded to God. In one word, P.R.E.T.T.Y. We live in a world where great emphasis is on self-care. Whether it be getting pampered, taking a trip, or hanging out and giving no attention to responsibilities, self-care is high on our list of things to do. However, I'm finding that so many of us return to normal life tired and not refreshed. Irritated and not renewed. Unfulfilled and not revived. Isn't that what self-care is supposed to do? To come to him means to go where he is. But before we come to Him, we need to recognize who we are approaching. Jesus, before anything else, came to God with thanksgiving and songs of praise. Even in the weariness and the exhaustion there is still enough energy to sing songs of thanksgiving to God for all the mercies He has bestowed upon you. Now, Jesus, being both God and mediator had the most special resting place. He rested in the bosom of the Father (John 1:18). What a comfort to be held so close and in such a dear place. There are people who pay all kinds of money to get an inkling of that kind of access, that kind of rest, that kind of self-care. That brings me to my next point. Jesus says come to me and I will give you rest. We just read that Jesus rests in the bosom of God. And here we are with an open invitation to peace for the soul and a yoke that is light. So, what does it look like when we come to Christ? Many would say praying. The problem with that is we usually end up doing all the talking and give God no room to speak to us. Not to mention we're dull of hearing. Do you know why we are dull of hearing? Because we don't read his word. You can find God in His word. Go to him by reading his word, and as you locate His very person in the scriptures, rest will begin to come. Those heavy burdens will get lighter and the negative issues, circumstances, and situations that choke you will begin to loosen their hold and fade away. Resting takes discipline. Discipline to read his word even when you’re too exhausted to. Rest takes faith. Faith to believe that he will definitely give you rest.