A peek inside this post: Looking for biblical self care for women? Sometimes taking care of yourself as a mom and homemaker is not high on the priority list, but it is so important! This 7 day self care devotional for Christian moms will encourage you and remind you how and why we are to practice biblical self care. And bonus: it comes in a printable version! Don’t miss it!
I can feel the “ick” factor rising as you begin to read this, because the words “self care” often invoke a certain level of “blegh”, usually followed by an eye roll, especially amongst the Christian community.
And I get it.
As Christians, we are called to a life of servanthood. We are told to kill our flesh, turn the other cheek, and lay one’s life down for our friends. We see these instructions in scripture, and are reminded of them often.
That guidance doesn’t really match up with the self indulgent images that might spring to mind when one hears “self care.”
But what about other scriptures?
The ones that give examples of healthy boundaries; The ones that talk about taking care of your mind and body and not overworking yourself; The ones that indicate the importance of rest and not being anxious.
The truth is, taking care of yourself is necessary.
It’s biblical.
Jesus did it and taught it while still wholly sacrificing Himself.
I think the divide here is understanding that self care has to be about more than keeping a secret stash of chocolate hidden somewhere (ssshh: mine’s in my sock drawer) and soaking in a bubble bath once a week.
It’s much deeper than that. It’s much more meaningful than that.
It’s not about taking care of yourself instead of serving others.
It’s about taking care of yourself so you can continue to serve others without it affecting your own relationship with Christ.
If we don’t have enough time to read our Bible because we are too busy running our kids around to their sports and activities, our service to our children has trumped our service to our King.
If we have overcommitted ourselves to volunteering at church and on community boards, we can end up feeling run down. We may even begin to resent those who reap the benefits from our volunteer hours, rather than being willing ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
If we let our role as homemakers become our whole identity, we can start looking for fulfillment and validation from what others see us bringing to the table, rather than knowing our worth was secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
So how do we as homemakers, who have chosen a beautiful life of servanthood, balance the practice of self care with all of our responsibilities, while maintaining God as our number one priority?
We have to look at God’s word and apply examples from scripture to our lives.
Really, so much of what true self care/soul care boils down to is actually self discipline. A willingness to say no to some things, even good things, in order to be able to say yes to the right things.
Let’s start with this week of devos and see where it takes us!
How to Use These Devotions about Self Care for Christian Moms
This devo has 7 daily devotions to help you practice self care for Christian moms. Each day consists of scripture with Bible verses about caring for yourself, or that can be applied to the topic, because as we know from 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
There are also stories and examples of real life application, a notes/journaling section for introspection (in the printable version), and a challenge to help you live out these verses and start practicing self care as a homemaker.
You can complete this short study alone, or maybe with a couple of friends or even a women’s group!
Keep in mind: digging deep, changing habits, and adjusting your heart can take some time. Just because it’s a 7 day devotional doesn’t mean you have to finish them in a week. Allow yourself the time to let it soak in, and take every challenge, prayer, and reflection to heart, sweet friend.
For your convenience, we have put this devotion in an easy to use PDF format. You can access it digitally on this page, or print it out for a hard copy with beautiful graphics and a spot to jot your notes/journal as you reflect.
>>> Skip down to our printable self care devotional!
7 Devotions that will help you apply Christian Self Care as a Homemaker
Day 1: John 4:13-14
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Are you good about drinking your water?
If you’re like me, that answer is: no. Most days, I am in a self-induced state of dehydration.
I will go about my day, performing household tasks, and completely forget about H2O.
I usually don’t even realize how thirsty I am until I finally take a swig from my tumbler and can’t stop. I’m always amazed to find out that I was positively parched and didn’t even recognize it.
I didn’t know how much I needed water until I was already drinking it.
If I’m honest, I have become accustomed to feeling sluggish, carrying around a dull, almost constant headache. It’s wild to think of what kind of discomfort we become comfortable living in, isn’t it?
I can tell you this, I definitely feel better on the days I decide to be hypervigilant about my water intake.
The days when I make it a point to drink a full tumbler of water before I even have my coffee in the morning. The days when I purposely wrap several hair bands around the bottom of my tumbler so that I can slide one up every time I refill my water, as a way of keeping track of how much I’ve consumed. The days when I add some frozen fruit to the tumbler in order to keep things exciting and encourage myself to want to drink more.
On those days, I feel amazing.
Clear headed. Focused. Productive. Energetic. Happy.
I’m a completely different me when I’m fully hydrated.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
Gosh, the parallels that can be made between an earthly thirst and a spiritual one.
Just as earthly water quenches my desperate thirst, Jesus quenches my desperate soul.
And just as I feel better on the days I decide to be hypervigilant about my earthly water intake, I also feel better on the days I decide to be hypervigilant about my spiritual intake.
If drinking a tumbler of water first thing in the morning starts my day off on the right foot, how much more fulfilling is it when that tumbler of water is sipped while reading the Bible and spending quiet time with Jesus?
If using a simple system to measure my water consumption helps me stay intentional about it all day long, how consistent and intentional would I be if I applied a similar system to a Bible reading plan or meditating on scripture?
If adding frozen fruit to my water makes it more palatable and encourages me to drink more, how much encouragement would be gleaned from a life lived with spiritual fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control)?
If the consumption (or lack thereof) of earthly water can have such an effect on my day, my mood, my health, my mind and body, how much greater is the effect when what I’m consuming (or not consuming) is Living Water, Jesus Himself?
CHALLENGE
Create a basic, sustainable system for reading the Word, spending time with Jesus. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or after you put your kids to bed at night, find a plan and be consistent.
If you’ve read this far, it means you’re already off to a great start. But don’t let this devo be a substitute for the written Word of God. These readings are meant to be an encouraging supplement, not a replacement. If you find yourself with only enough time for one, ditch this devo and pick up your Bible instead.
Honor your soul’s need for Living Water. And while you’re at it, honor your body’s need for earthly water, too. Drink up!
PRAYER
Oh God,
How good you are to provide what we need in mind, body, and spirit. And you supply it in abundance! Thank you for always making it available to me, even when I don’t realize how much I need it.
Help me to recognize my need and run to the fulfillment, your Son, Living Water, that a spring would well up in me.
Forever grateful for your eternal gift in Him whose name we pray,
Amen
REFLECTION
Are you spiritually dehydrated? Do you think it’s possible you don’t even realize how thirsty you are?
Day 2: Philippians 4:6-9
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
You know what I love about this passage of scripture?
Paul, bless him, didn’t just instruct the Philippians (and us) not to be anxious. As we all know, it’s easier said than done to rid ourselves of anxiety. It’s true now and it was true back then.
Paul didn’t leave us with a blanket instruction, but instead went further and told us how we can train ourselves to not be anxious. We are to pray, give it to God, and then think about things that we know to be true, honorable, and lovely.
If we practice these things, Paul tells us the God of peace will be with us.
I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds a lot better than stewing over all the things beyond my control.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
As homemakers, how many things do we fret about on a daily basis?
We have chores to do, responsibilities to fulfill, errands to run, systems to maintain, schedules to keep.
We have doctors appointments to make, sports and activities to attend.
We have feelings, in addition to our own, to tend to and hold space for.
We often take on the anxiety of our loved ones. Many of us feel it as if it were our own. Even if we don’t actually feel second-hand anxiety, we feel the weight of it and the responsibility of making it better.
Sometimes we worry about scenarios that aren’t even happening in our lives! We make them up or mentally toil over all the horrifying what-ifs.
Some of these examples are within our control (we’ll talk more about the importance of preparation, and other things, on Day 5 of this series), but so many of the things listed have no business being on our shoulders.
CHALLENGE
Memorize these verses. Make it a habit to recite them, verses six through nine, every day for a month. Yes, a whole month. Set a reminder in your phone, have your husband or kids or friends quiz you until you have it down. (Our scripture cards, included in the printable version, can help!)
PRAYER
Lord,
Anxiety is such a commonly discussed topic these days. This scripture reminds me that it’s very real, and it always has been. Hoping to disregard anxiety or ignoring it isn’t the answer, but you’ve given us the answer long ago.
Thank you for speaking your words through Paul, and laying out exactly how we can choose to tune out anxiety in exchange for things that are more deserving of space in our brain.
Please help me to focus on excellent things worthy of praise, things that are true and honorable, just and pure, lovely and commendable. And please, oh please, fill me with your peace.
In The Name of the Prince of Peace,
Amen
REFLECTION
What makes you anxious on a daily basis? Do you think reciting and meditating on these verses daily will make it easier for you to follow Paul’s instructions and fix your mind on whatever is true, honorable, just, et. al?
Day 3: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
As I think of how I want to remark on this scripture, I feel convicted to be transparent with you. I need you to know that just because I’m writing this passage, that does not mean I have yet learned how to abide by all the scriptures I’m including.
The journey towards holiness and obedience is ongoing, and I have not arrived.
At this moment in time, I am struggling with glorifying God in my body. The truth is, I have always struggled to glorify God in my body. I don’t think I’ve ever treated my body like a temple (at least not consistently).
I am 36 years old and am still trying to undo a lifetime of bad habits when it comes to food and exercise. I’ve had four children, but I can’t even “blame” them for the 30 extra pounds I’ve accumulated and carried with me over the last decade.
I am currently sitting in a puddle of gloom for having worked really hard to lose 18 pounds, now that I’ve gained about eight of them back. And it’s my own dang fault.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
How do you think you would feel if you gave up something of tremendous personal value in order to buy someone a house, and they trashed it?
I can only imagine God must be so hurt and frustrated with us when we trash our bodies. He made us temples for the Holy Spirit, sacrificed His Son to pay the mortgage, and this is the thanks he gets. Of course he loves us still, but I bet he wants us to take better care of his property.
As homemakers, moms, and wives, it can be difficult to find time, energy, and brain space to care for our own bodies when we are caring for so many others’. I don’t mean to project my own issues onto you, but even if you don’t personally struggle with healthy food and exercise habits, I’m sure there are times when you struggle to find the time. (If not, please send me an email and teach me your ways!)
This is as much a reminder for myself (and probably even more so!) as it is for you:
If you really want to, you’ll find the time. If not, you’ll find an excuse.
Let’s both commit to doing today’s challenge and reflection, and work on better habits with consistency. Let’s work on being better stewards of these bodies God has given us!
CHALLENGE
Make a healthy food choice for at least one meal today, and be active for at least 30 minutes. You can walk your kids to school, have an afternoon dance party, or play tag. You can do squats as you cook something healthy at the stove. You can shoot hoops in the driveway with your husband.
However you decide to spend your active 30 minutes, remind yourself that you are caring for this earthly body God has gifted you.
PRAYER
God,
You are such an amazing craftsman to design our bodies to work and function the way they do. I am sorry for not being a better steward of mine. I’ve taken it for granted and not fueled it properly.
Please forgive me. Put a desire in my heart and determination in my mind to want to eat healthily, to exercise with gladness, to persevere when my excuses are greater than my willpower.
I am weak but you are strong. Help me to rely on your strength. Help me to take better care of myself and my family with healthy habits that bring you all the glory.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
REFLECTION
What are your go-to excuses? Everybody’s got ‘em.
“I’m tired.”
“I’m busy.”
“My dog ate my dumbbell.”
Write your excuses down and brainstorm a plan or response to them.
“I’m tired” needs to be reminded that exercise will increase your energy.
“I’m busy” needs to know that it takes the same amount of time to make a healthy sheet pan dinner of chicken and veggies as it does to cook a frozen pizza.
“My dog ate my dumbbell” needs to hear that you can bench press your canine. 😉
Day 4: Psalm 139:13-14
For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
“Aaaarggghhh! I’m such an IDIOT!”
Yikes.
Those harsh words were bellowed out by my then four year old.
Poor buddy was struggling to perform a task correctly. One that required a little perseverance and more than a few tries.
I understood his frustration and that he was learning to manage it. But I hated hearing him say those things to himself.
What’s worse? He had learned them from me.
I of course never called him an idiot. I would never say that to or about him.
My sweet boy had heard me say it about myself.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
How would you describe the way you talk to and about yourself? Do you give yourself the same grace and understanding that you offer to others?
Maybe your inner voice was shaped by painful words you heard growing up. Maybe you can’t forgive yourself for sin you’ve done… or sin that was done to you.
Sometimes we are just downright mean to ourselves.
No matter how it came about, somewhere along the line, we became comfortable talking smack about one of God’s children.
It’s really easy to let mistakes and failures define us. As women, as wives, as moms, as homemakers.
Do you believe that you truly are fearfully and wonderfully made?
God’s truth says that you are, and that truth cannot coexist with lies the enemy has whispered to you and made you believe about yourself.
If we’re keeping ourselves in check and not allowing our successes to define us (because we know our identity is in Christ), then that also has to be true about our un-successes. Whether we win or lose, succeed or fail, we have to hold onto the truth that we are children of God and that he purposely made us.
CHALLENGE
Write a letter to a friend. Tell her all the things you appreciate and admire about her. Point out the times she’s been courageous and resilient. Mention some of her big wins, and how she overcame big losses. Call out her strengths and talents. Remind her of the things she does well.
Let the friend you’re writing to be you.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for making me. Thank you for choosing each and every part of me. You knew what you were doing when you formed me in my mother’s womb.
Please forgive me for not being kinder to your creation. You are an incredible, thoughtful artist. Who am I to ever second guess what you have constructed so intentionally?
Help me to remember that when I am talking down to myself, I am insulting you and your project piece. I aim to give you glory in all things, including my self-talk.
I lift this prayer up to you in your perfect Son’s Name,
Amen
REFLECTION
What are some hurtful things you believe or say about yourself? Where do you think it stems from? What are some things that God says about you?
Day 5: Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
You know how I said in the introduction that so much of self care actually falls into self discipline? It certainly puts a different spin on the traditional ideas of self care, doesn’t it?
As aforementioned, self care can seem rather self-indulgent. Does viewing it as self discipline help you see and treat it differently?
God, through the author of Hebrews, points out that discipline is altogether unpleasant when you’re in the middle of adhering to it.
It’s painful. It’s inconvenient.
But ah, the harvest of righteousness and peace it produces!
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
I like to think of self discipline as Present Me doing Future Me a favor.
It’s awesome when Present Me can look back at Past Me and feel gratitude for the hard work we put in back then, making our life easier or more rewarding now.
Preparation and self discipline really are huge components to ensuring peace for ourselves.
Consider these areas where you may not always feel like doing the darn thing in the moment, but you reap the reward later on:
- Wanting to stay up late watching TV, but honoring your sleep with self discipline means feeling better rested the next day.
- Wanting to shove the groceries into the fridge without a second thought, but honoring your meal prep with self discipline means being more prepared for the rest of the week.
- Wanting to toss every item on the nearest surface, but honoring your organizational system with self discipline means always knowing where to find your stuff when you need it.
- Wanting to spend money frivolously, but honoring your budget with self discipline means having financial stability.
- Wanting to sit on the couch and loaf, but honoring your commitment to exercise with self discipline means having a healthier body.
- Wanting to stay informed about pop culture, but honoring God’s word with self discipline not to conform to the patterns of this world means staying focused on what is pleasing to the Lord.
There are really so many ways to apply self discipline that, although difficult at the time, will produce righteousness and peace in your every day life.
CHALLENGE
What are some areas that affect you daily that you would really love to bring peace and order to?
Maybe your family is always running out of clean clothes because laundry days aren’t consistent, or you stay up way too late most nights just to get a little alone time but always regret it in the morning.
Develop a system of self discipline to turn this problem area into a harvest of peace and righteousness. Think about Future You and how much she needs you to fix this for her!
PRAYER
God,
Thank you for the tough love you give us. There are always natural consequences to our actions and choices. Help me to remember the fruits of self discipline, even when I’m struggling to honor it.
You and your Son did the hardest thing of all. My sacrifice to get off the couch or put my phone down is nothing compared to the Sacrifice that was given on The Cross.
In The Name of the Lamb,
Amen
REFLECTION
Thinking about the problem areas you’ve pinpointed and are going to fix with self discipline, what will be the reward? How much time will you be saving? How much mental energy and anxiety will be spared? Who will benefit from your self discipline, besides yourself?
Day 6: Mark 4:36, Mark 6:31, Luke 5:16
Mark 4:36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
Mark 6:31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Do you ever feel like you “have to do everything around here”?
Sometimes when I’m replacing the toilet paper roll for the thousandth time or finding ketchup in the fridge that no one else can see in plain sight, I like to joke that our house would burn to the ground without me.
Or how about those days when your kids hunt you down during the two minutes that you’re in the bathroom to open up their snack for them? Or the times your husband is right there but your clingy toddler prefers to paw all over you instead of dear old Dad?
I mean, can you say overstimulated and touched out?
Can you imagine what Jesus must have felt like?
Crowds surrounding him at every turn.
Strangers aggressively trying to touch him, yanking on the hems of his clothes.
People constantly asking him to perform as if he were a circus monkey.
Everyone wanting something from him wherever he went.
Constant talking. A million questions.
As an introvert, I am hard pressed to better describe such a perfectly specific nightmare.
I literally laughed out loud when I read, “Jesus sighed deeply” in Mark 8. Not to add to the complete and flawless word of God, but I picture Jesus closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose. How draining!
What I love about the provided scriptures is that it shows Jesus, perfect as He was, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the constant needs of others. He established healthy boundaries by retreating to quiet places, often alone or with a few close friends.
He used his time to pray.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
As homemakers, we understand what it’s like when everyone needs us for something. When things don’t get done unless we do them. When people continue to take, take, take.
This can occur inside the home and outside the home, too.
We can use Jesus’ example, both in taking time away to recharge, and allowing ourselves the grace to do so without guilt!
We can delegate! Jesus commissioned his disciples. We can let someone else bake treats for the school fundraiser this time. We can teach our kids how to care for laundry, start to finish, and let them handle a load every now and again.
We can graciously decline events and volunteer opportunities when we need to focus on our four walls.
We can say no to things so we still have enough of ourselves to give to the right things.
CHALLENGE
This week, find something you can delegate. Whether it’s having your child empty the dishwasher in the mornings or asking your husband to be in charge of lunch after church so you can take a short nap.
PRAYER
God,
It is not always easy for me to say no, or to establish boundaries and maintain them.
Sometimes I have to remember that whatever praise I might get for saying yes to so many things is no reason to take on so much, and that wherever I spend my time, energy, and focus means that it’s not being spent somewhere else. Sometimes this is pleasing and good, but other times it pulls me away from where I’m needed.
Sometimes I have to remember that I am not God. I cannot fulfill everyone’s needs and wants.
But you are and you can. And you alone are worthy to be praised.
Help me to have discernment on where I should continue to serve, where I should delegate, and what I should give up completely.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
REFLECTION
Are there some areas where you need to establish better boundaries? Is there perhaps something you need to give up entirely? Does knowing that Jesus had some boundaries over his own time and mental space affect how you feel about doing the same in your own life?
Day 7: Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It simply can’t be overlooked that serving others does as much for the one serving as it does for the one being served.
God calls us free, and tells us to use our freedom to the benefit of others, rather than indulging our sinful nature. Satisfying our fleshly desires will only work temporarily, but the act of serving our brothers and sisters in Christ will satiate our souls with lasting contentment.
If I may, I’d like to share one of my favorite moments of service in order to illustrate the scripture.
Recently, a close friend of mine, who cherished her role as a stay at home homeschool mom, found herself in an undesirable situation that forced her to go back to work as a teacher and enroll her children in public school.
She was devastated, and our friend group mourned this loss with her.
Having been out of the workforce for years, our sweet friend had very little funds and sparse options when it came to a professional wardrobe.
A few of us friends decided to surprise her with an intimate dinner party for her birthday, which happened to be about a month before she started her new job. She needed a fun night with girlfriends, and although we were all sad for this necessary transition, we wanted her to feel loved and have a bit of a reason to look towards this change with joy in her heart. We also decided to surprise her with a couple new outfits so she could feel beautiful and put together when she started at the school.
The three of us went to task, finding the best clearance deals online, thrifting the most incredible treasures at Goodwill, shopping our own closets for beautiful but wasted accessories. We pulled together around 5-10 amazing outfits.
But then…
One from our tribe had an idea to post about our friend’s need in a local facebook group from a well-to-do area, where lots of women are in various professional fields. When I tell you that these strangers outdid themselves with such an outpouring of generosity! Dozens of bags of beautiful, work appropriate, high quality clothing were donated.
They were so excited to contribute! Shoes, handbags, dresses, skirts, tops, sweaters, pants, you name it!
At this point, we realized better presentation was needed for this fabulous new wardrobe, so we turned an open area in my kitchen into a full blown boutique! We set the ambiance with lamps, a rug, tall shutters for display, and a huge mirror. We had outfits pieced together and displayed on racks and on the walls.
We wanted this to feel like a free shopping experience for her, so we made sure to have big paper bags and even created “price tags” with scripture written on them instead of monetary costs, which we attached to the hangers.
I’m not kidding, when we revealed her gigantic gift and she entered the kitchen, it literally looked like a small boutique brimming with everything in exactly her size.
After her shock and all the tears wore off, she was so excited to try every last thing on. We had the most amazing night jamming out to music, dancing, oohing and ahhhing over everything that fit her like a stinking glove. We made a time lapse video of all her outfit changes and our silly shenanigans, and we’ve all admitted to watching it over and over even now, months afterwards.
I can’t talk about that night without welling up with tears. It was hands down one of the best nights of my life, one of the best experiences I’ve ever been a part of.
Knowing how everything was orchestrated: the generosity from strangers, complimentary strengths amongst our small friend group, finding the right things at the right times, all woven together to create this fun and outrageous way of fulfilling a very real need for a most deserving person.
I know that God was all over this experience, from start to finish.
Only one went home with the clothes, but all four of us came away feeling like we were the recipients of something insanely special. We were all the benefactors! We all feel so blessed and grateful to have been a part of it.
RELEVANCE TO HOMEMAKERS PRACTICING BIBLICAL SELF CARE
As homemakers, we have a unique opportunity to serve others in the most incredible ways!
We get to love and care for our husbands in ways that speak to their hearts. We get to love and care for our children in ways that make them feel known and seen.
We get to chat with friends and pick up on ways we can be there for them, big and small.
We get to check in on our neighbors, and create homes that are welcoming and inviting to all who enter.
We get to serve in places that use our unique gifts and talents in combination with the unique gifts and talents of those with whom we serve, in order to benefit entire groups of people.
We have some freedom in our roles to not be enslaved to a strict schedule all the time.
When we use our freedom to walk in the Spirit and serve one another humbly in love, we can start to find those precious opportunities tucked away in every fold of life. Imagine how many people get to experience the love of Jesus when we are His hands and feet, and how all those little acts of service carry on into their day, into their homes, into their families, into their communities.
Serving with joy in our heart is probably one of the most overlooked forms of self care, but it can have such an amazing impact!
CHALLENGE
Over the next few days, find one small way to serve inside your home, and one small way to serve outside your home. These do not have to be elaborate to be impactful! Maybe you make your husband his favorite dinner and portion a plate to take over to your elderly neighbor. When you start looking for ways to serve in your everyday life, you are sure to be inspired.
PRAYER
God,
I am so excited to look for more ways to serve others. Help me to be receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Lead me to the opportunities that you have placed in my path, so that others can see the love of Jesus in how I treat them, how I serve them.
In His Name,
Amen
REFLECTION
Remember a time when someone served you humbly in love. How did you feel as the recipient of this kind act? Next, remember a time when you served someone else humbly in love. How did you feel as the servant?
Wrapping Up these Devotions About Taking Care of Yourself
We have covered biblical self care for women in spirit, mind, body, self talk, self discipline, boundaries, and service.
It is our sincere hope that you have found value in these words and that you feel inspired to apply scripture to your life in these areas and beyond.
Heart Change for Self Care: Your Printable Self Care Devotional
For your convenience, we have turned this heartfelt devotion into a printable PDF.
With over 30 stunning pages, this beautiful printable includes a notes/journaling section for each of the daily reflection questions, scripture cards that you can cut out and display as you impress God’s word on your heart, and an overall lovely yet simple layout that will have you excited to turn each page!
You can get your copy here.
We hope this devo encourages you to love and care for yourself in a way that honors God, equipping yourself for all He has in store for you!
Read Also:
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Wow this article really resonated with me. I absolutely love the practical tips that were included for all of the daily devotionals! Thanks so much and take care 🙏🏾❤️
I’m so glad you found value here, Valerie! We hope you’ll check out more of our devotionals!