What Does Godly Self-Care Look Like?

We live in a confusing and conflicted world, particularly when it comes to the idea of self-care. As Christians, mixed messages tell us to take care of ourselves but also serve selflessly, putting the needs of others above our own. This juxtaposition makes it hard to know what to do, when our bodies are weary and our hearts are heavy from carrying life’s loads.

I’ve tried to navigate my way through godly self-care for decades. At one point, I overextended myself so much in ministry and motherhood, my body decided it was time to shut down. I would fall asleep mid conversation. Chronic pain became part of my everyday life. Anxiety, fear, and undiagnosed bouts of depression left me feeling like there was no other way to live but push through and survive.

Even now, I struggle with taking care of myself without feeling guilty or pouring into others when I know I am flirting with burnout. It’s a hard and holy line to walk.

Luckily, we have one who has gone before us, providing the ultimate example of loving others well, including ourselves. Jesus was 100 percent God but also 100 percent man. He understood overwhelm and exhaustion like few do. The demands He had on Himself were more than anyone else in history.

And yet, He knew when to step back, seek the Father, and practice self-care. Out of all the experts sharing their opinions on this topic, we need to model the process of self-care after our Savior first.

Here are 4 ways Jesus practiced godly self-care:

1. Jesus knew who He was and respected Himself enough to rest.

Because we are made in the image of God, we need to follow His lead and prioritize rest. God loves us and wants us to experience deep soul care in Him. If we believe we can endure hardships in life without practicing godly self-care, our spirits and bodies will eventually tell us otherwise.

Sometimes the hardest hurdle to overcome is the lie we are not worthy of care. But God has already determined our value, and He is dedicated to giving us what we truly need. We shouldn’t feel bad for setting boundaries in order to experience renewal and restoration. Instead, it shows respect for ourselves and also for God.

Rest isn’t an option like society says. It’s a command – one that needs to be obeyed in order to provide regular revival for our souls.

2. Jesus valued physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self-care.

He recognized the importance of taking care of our whole self. We aren’t just spiritual beings. We are human beings too with tangible needs. Jesus’ life shows us how to take care of every aspect of our makeup.

Jesus took naps (physical). Jesus fixed His thoughts on God’s Word (mental). He shared His heart with friends (emotional) and spent time with His Father (spiritual). He valued community and connection, but also knew when solitude was needed. Jesus recognized the full spectrum of self-care and set up the perfect framework for us to follow.

3. Jesus recognized the spiritual battle for rest.

Satan knows God wants His people to rest. He knows how powerful it is when God’s children lay down their own efforts and trust completely in their Father. Resting in Jesus is a threat to Satan, and he will try everything he can to take it down. Distractions. Phone notifications. Relational strains. Tasks that need to get done. The enemy will stop at nothing to keep us dependent on our own wavering strength because the opposite of striving is reliance – not on ourselves but on our capable God. We need to be aware of Satan’s tactics and make room in our days for what leads to life.

4. Jesus knew how to abide in the Father and always remained in Him.

Jesus knew as He spent time with the Father, He would experience empowerment and wisdom in knowing exactly what to do and when. The amount of decisions we make daily is incredible—around 35,000 conscious decisions each day. Staying connected to God is vital when it comes to choosing what we need to do, versus what we think we should do. Abiding in God helps us be in our Father’s business instead of the busyness of the world, which often leads to burnout. It also brings a sense of relief to our spirits because we don’t have to worry about everything that needs to get done. As we trust God and lean into Him, He will help us take each step He wants us to take.

Godly self-care is ironically more about God and His faithful care for us.

He looks after His kids. In this, our hearts can fully rest.