You might need it and not even know it

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Take care of yourself”

Our Bible verse for today: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “You probably need it and don’t even know it”

Usually when we think about “taking care of ourselves” our thoughts turn to diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep (and those physical aspects of good self-care are vitally important). But as we have been learning, taking proper care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is vitally important too. We are body, soul, and spirit, and it’s all connected.

One of the most important and helpful things we can do to take proper care of ourselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is to regularly create circumstances when we are relieved of all the pressure of life and there are no responsibilities or expectations. The object is to simply rest and relax. Taking the pressure off like that is an essential element in good health.

For many years I have worked primarily from my office here at home. I did that so I could both work and take care of my wife Linda at the same time. Being close to her all day made it possible for me to stay aware of her needs and to be there when she needed me. However, not only was I paying attention to her, but she was also paying attention to me. She was always very protective of me and she paid attention to how long I was working, and under how much pressure. She would usually realize I needed a break even before I realized it, and she wouldn’t hesitate to tell me so. I was always a better pastor after stepping away from the work for a while and Linda was often the one who urged me to give it a break. Sometimes those close to us are more aware of our condition than we are.

Likewise, Linda was the one who planned our vacations, and she always chose locations where she knew I would be most likely to turn off the phone, put the laptop away, and truly relax – with no responsibilities and no expectations.

In Psalm 42:1-2 the psalmist paints a picture of a person who is soul-weary and in desperate need of not just a break, but for a time of relief being refreshed by God. Very often, that describes each one of us and many times we don’t even know it (or we do know it but we push it aside and just keep going anyway.)

It’s essential for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health that we periodically unplug and relax – removing ourselves from all responsibilities and expectations, and simply allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to our weary soul. When is the last time you gave yourself that kind of a break? You might need it and not even know it.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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