What is “God-centered self care,” and how can we pursue it?
Self care seems to bring about some strong clashes, especially in the Christian community. Some unequivocally condemn it as being selfish. Others promote it to a fault, as if it solves all problems.
Let’s note – there are actually many scriptures in support of taking care of the body, mind, soul, and spirit God gave you. But it can also go to an unhealthy extreme.
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What does the Bible say about self care?
No, it doesn’t specifically use the term “self care”. You won’t find any verses on setting up a spa day or making sure you get your exercise in.
But…
- There are many references for caring for your body, mind, spirit, and soul in scripture. In some verses, it assumes that you already do.
- The Bible highly supports the concept of rest. God did it first! And then even assigned a day of mandatory rest (Exodus 20:8-11), because he knows we need it too.
- He also created us “fearfully and wonderfully made,” with purpose. You are precious to him, and he loves you. (Do you treat your self – your body, mind, soul, and spirit – as someone highly valuable to the Creator of the Universe?)
You can read more on those scriptures here. I also love my friend Gina’s post on whether or not self care is selfish. (And check out thoughts on self-love and the Bible.)
Here’s the secret of self care: it brings true refreshment when it begins and ends with God.
With wellness, like anything else, God can be the center or we can. We can absolutely make self care sinful.
Too harsh? Consider this. Author Richard Rohr says, “Sins are fixations that prevent the energy of life, God’s love, from flowing freely. [They are] self-erected blockades that cut us off from God and hence from our own authentic potential.”
(P.S. This quote via The Road Back to You – an incredible book to help grow in self-awareness through enneagram personality types.)
I don’t know about you, but a major goal in self care is getting that life-giving energy, that feeling of authenticity. And I can see my concern for self getting in between me and God.
Going on this thinking, it would be fair to say that the kind of self care that brings lasting fulfillment (life-giving energy) is self care through him.
How can we practice God-centered self care to glorify him and find true refreshment?
Let’s set a definition for God-centered self care as intentional, mindful worship of God as you take care of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
This isn’t a new concept.
Romans 12:1-2 NIV says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
We offer ourselves and our lives to God, putting ourselves in his hands – and we live a worshipful and holy existence because of him. God renews the minds we offer up so that we can participate in a transformation that allows us to see him more clearly.
C.S. Lewis said, “In worship, we enter, touch, and are touched by the presence of God himself. We have been created to live like that.”
I remember believing that worship “only happens at church when we all sing together.” And that is a form of worship. But it’s so much more rich and multi-faceted than that.
It’s appreciating God’s creation, the care and detail he put into what he made. (Yes, even you!)
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? – Psalm 8:3-4 NIV
It’s gratitude for the things in your life, and recognizing how God brought them to be.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. – Psalm 107:8-9 NIV
It’s relying on him for relief and refreshment.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV
To me, that’s the only way self care will fulfill. True, I’ll need to practice it again and again, because I’m human, and I wear out easily. But I’ll leave a time of worshipful self care with God feeling full, much more than I would on my own.
What does a worshipful self care experience look like?
Again, by our above definition, it takes intention and being present. You can make your self care time completely about God. Or you can incorporate worshipful elements into your typical practice.
It can look different for everybody, but here are some practical ideas:
Music – singing or just listening to music that makes you consider God
Prayer – anytime, anywhere
Appreciation – thanking God for making you YOU, for others, for various abilities and gifts, for your relationship with him, for creation – anything!
Acts of Service – maybe you can use a gift to create something for someone else
Building up the Church – take an opportunity to share your faith or deepen a relationship
Personal study – remind yourself of scripture, commit one to memory; learn more about your personality and how it reflects God’s character
Showing love and support to someone – including someone in your self care routine to connect personally
Creativity and growing in talents – learning something new or practicing your gifts from God
We all do this in different ways. Maybe you’ll listen to worship music while you do a workout, or take a moment to praise God for your body working the way it does. Perhaps you’ll learn more about your personality and identity through journaling, reading or counseling, and consider how to honor God with the talents he gave you.
Maybe you’ll do a DIY facial with a friend, and share your faith with them. Or maybe you’ll take time to be in nature and enjoy creation. Whatever you do, you always can pray and focus your mind on God as an option.
We can honor and worship God in so many ways as we take care of our selves.
What about you?
What ideas do you have for incorporating worship into your self care? How can you honor God with it? Is our definition of God-centered self care solid, or does it need more work?
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Photo Credit: all by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
Thank you for this post. I’m considering new way to have God centred self care activities. Although, most things I enjoy doing often lead me to think of God’s goodness, wisdom and unmatched creativity.
That’s awesome! It’s just what you said – engaging in things you enjoy and letting them remind you of God 🙂 I think that brings him joy too!
This is so great, and needed. I loved your definition: “intentional, mindful worship of God as you take care of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.” That is it! It is so hard to talk about – “self-care” in Christian circles. But you have given words something I couldn’t articulate quite as well. Thanks for sharing this with us.
So encouraged to hear that, Kelsey! It does seem like a taboo topic in the Christian community, and I’ve gone back and forth about it so many times. Ultimately God refreshes our souls – so I believe if he’s at the center of it, we’ll find the relief we’re looking for. Thanks for reading and commenting!