STRONG TO SERVE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Proverbs 31:17, ESV
Theme: Caring for our own needs--staying as active and strong as we can--allows us to bless and care for others.
RISE EARLY
“What are you doing at 5AM?” Likely those hours are unscheduled - unless you schedule sleep, exercise, or time with God... or possibly if you work unusual hours. The early morning is quiet, available time. Whether I’m off to the gym, for a walk, tidying and making coffee, or getting the first shower, my before-dawn schedule doesn’t have much competition.
We all need sleep; I recommend it. Sleep can be good self-care. However, I have found that taking care of my own needs before everyone else gets up prevents distractions, allows me to cheerfully meet others’ needs when they arise, and prepares my heart and attitude for the day. Exercise, listening to the Bible, worship music, and watching the sun rise provide spiritual mooring when the events of my day do not go to plan. Our One true God reminds us of His priority: “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5, ESV). To do so, I need to prepare myself to wield the strength He has provided me. Getting up early helps me to love God with all my strength.
JESUS’ EXAMPLE
Jesus was in high demand both day and night. After a day of healing and walking from place to place, Jesus settles into one location. That doesn’t stop the people from coming to Him: “That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick” (Matthew 8:16, ESV). Even after such a full day, Jesus rose early to pray. He clearly had already prayed in front of people. Even so, Jesus needed time to pray alone. We see His example of finding time early in the morning. Maybe He walked; maybe He sat on a rock; maybe He talked out loud to God. Jesus made time for self-care and time with God alone. We know that He did this on His own and early in the morning. “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray” (Mark 1:35, ESV).
EXERCISE, STUDY, PRACTICE
Not everyone is capable of physical strength. Not everyone has mental acuity in the same areas. God has gifted each of us with specific abilities which we are to hone and use to His glory. Our bodies are amazing, strong, flexible, and powerful. They don’t all contribute the same way and yet God gives everyone abilities that can be nurtured.
When I exercise, keep my reflexes quick, strengthen my muscles, and build cardio-vascular strength - those abilities can be more effectively used to serve God. The same is true when I study and grow musical ability, mental ability, and invest practice hours in other areas of gifting. Building strength can mean exercising your mind, obtaining education, and reading widely. Every gift and talent given by God is a resource we have been entrusted with – to serve Him first and others also. Self-care isn’t the same for everyone. Sabbath rest isn’t the same for everyone. But they are necessary! Loving God with all my strength can only be done if I have some strength with which to do so. Caring for ourselves allows us to offer our best to Him and others, and it honors God. Do this if you fear the Lord.
Make It Personal: In what areas do you have God-given strength? How can you care for and nurture the strength you have? Why is it important to care for yourself? How do you do so currently? In what way(s) can you build endurance, strength, and stability?
Pray: Lord, You have given me so much. Thank You for showing me how to include solitude, prayer, and self-care even in a busy schedule. Help me to prioritize my own needs so that I may better serve You and others.
Read: 3 John 1:2; Mark 1:35, 6:31-32; 1 Timothy 4:8
Weekly Memory Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10, NIV