If Christian self-care is important, then how should we do it biblically? Because self-care is only truly healthy when it is filtered through the lens of Scripture and rooted in God, pointing us back to God.

Rest Well

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.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Mark 6:31-32

It is important to know how to rest. Rest is not the same as escapism. Rest is not the same as being lazy. Rest is the revitalization of the heart, mind and soul. True rest is being able to go back into the battle of life. Whether that means enjoying a hobby or even taking a nap, true rest is crucial for us.

DA Carson wrote, “Sometimes the godliest thing you can do in the universe is get a good night’s sleep – not pray all night, but sleep. I’m certainly not denying that there may be a place for praying all night; I’m merely insisting that in the normal course of things, spiritual discipline obligates you get the sleep your body needs.” (Scandalous: The Cross and The Resurrection of Jesus, p.147)

Pray Intentionally

Secular (even some christian) psychologists say to meditate. As believers, we are called to pray, not merely meditate. Luke 5:15-16 says, “But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.”

Even Jesus knew his limits and spent time alone in prayer. Jesus could have ‘done more’ and healed the crowds, but he recognized his need for prayer. FOr us, self-care is how we recognize our own need for spiritual healing and our need for sustaining strength from the Lord. Prayer is how we are restored, how we intimately commune with a holy and all-powerful God.

Practice Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” As believers, we are called to be thankful in all circumstances. It is good for the soul and for the mind. Even a recent psychology article states, “In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness.”

Implementing the practice into life may feel silly, but implementation means obedience. One way is to keep a gratitude journal or list. Just opening up a list on your phone or writing on a post-it that is placed where you can see it regularly can remind you of all the ways the Lord has blessed you.

Stay In Community

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

For Christian, community is critical. As the popular saying goes, “no man is an island”, so no believer can journey alone. We need friends to help us, encourage us, to pray for us on this journey of faith. We need friends to support us and sharpen us in our faith.

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Let us continue to care for ourselves so that we may better love each other and glorify the Lord in all that we do.