If I Get it All Together, How Much is Enough?
This post has been featured at JenniferDukesLee.com.
If I get it all together, how much is enough? How much together does it take?
Really, how much is enough? It’s enough to make your head spin right off your neck.
My friend sits on the front steps, holding the weight of too many burdens on her shoulders.
“I try so hard to be a good mom, but I feel like I’m not doing it right,” she says with a sigh. “I really need to get it all together.”
Why is it when we use the phrase, get-it-all-together, it’s never in a good way?
“Sometimes I’m patient, but then I lose my temper. If I were a better Christian, I wouldn’t get so frustrated at times. I want to be a better mom, but . . . ”
Without words, her body language finishes the sentence that hangs in the air: but I’m not.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#IdentityinChrist, #righteousness”]How much better do you have to be to be good enough?[/tweetthis]
How much more patience does it take to be patient enough?
How much more rightness does it take to be righteous enough?
How much is enough?
Friend, could it be that these are the wrong questions?
I believe God is more interested in teaching a new way to think rather than better ways to behave. There is freedom from this get-it-all-together insanity.
“. . .and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.–Ephesians 4:23-24
We get hung up on doing things right, but God wants us to know that we are righteous. In Christ, righteousness and holiness is a natural part of who we are.
Choosing to remember we are a new creation is putting on the new self. Being open to God’s transforming work in our mind is part of putting on (living out of) who we are in Christ: righteous and holy.
This is hard because we’re wired to measure value and identity out of how well we perform.
So what is righteousness anyway?
Is it just a churchy word that doesn’t seem to relate to real life and real people?
Righteousness is an incredibly practical word.
Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.–Romans 3:24, The Message
In a broad sense, righteousness is defined as the state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God. It includes integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting. (Strong’s 1343).
In other words, righteousness is thinking, feeling, and acting like the person God created us to be. As God renews our thinking to the truth, feelings and behavior begin to change.
This is why righteousness is such a practical concept. How we think, act, and feel–that’s where we live every moment of every day.
Defining righteousness based on feelings rather than truth.
If I feel right, I must be right.
If I feel guilty, I can’t be righteous.
If I feel I’m unrighteous, I must be.
And then we start in on the “I’ve got to get it all together” lectures.
In reality, righteousness. . .
Is a gift from God.
Is received rather than achieved.
Is who you are not what you do.
In Christ, righteousness is your identity by spiritual birth, not behavior.
Getting it all together
and doing all the right things won’t make us righteous.
God isn’t tapping his holy foot, impatiently waiting for us to finally get it all together. He still sees us as righteous even when we act sinfully or selfishly. (Because that’s who we are, not what we do).
The world definitely doesn’t operate this way.
Some days I feel like I’ve been brainwashed by the world’s system of performance and success. And though I know better, I sometimes find myself trying to be righteous by my own efforts.
That’s when I start to worry about getting it all together.
As if I’ve got something to prove rather than a gift to receive.
Working to be right by my own efforts is really self-righteousness.
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” –Titus 3:5
As God renews my mind, I’m learning to let go of the pressure to get it all together and do it all right. Want to join me?
Together we can keep faith fresh with the freedom to stop asking the question, “How much is enough.”
[tweetthis]In the righteousness of Christ, who you are is just right[/tweetthis].
Trust God to work in your thoughts, feelings, and actions as you put on the righteousness you have given by God. Remember, God is the one who is making you holy and whole!
Linking up at: Monday Minute, Coffee For Your Heart, #Tell His Story, #PorchStories, and Dance With Jesus, Grace and Truth.
I’m tickled pink that this post has been featured at #TellHisStory, with Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of The Happiness Dare.
If I Get It All Together, Where Will I Put It?
Ever feel like your life is one big long project of self-improvement?
How much time do we spend trying to get it all together and make it all better?
A lot.
Well, at least I do. If this isn’t a thing for you, you can encourage the rest of us. . .
How much effort do we put into trying to feel like we’re enough? That we have what it takes?
I recently had a very spiritual AHA moment:
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#busyness, #busywoman, #selfimage”]If I get it all together, where will I put it?[/tweetthis]
And by the way, what is IT?
Can anyone actually define the IT in get-IT-altogether?
For that matter, how much IT does it actually take to get it all together? How do we know how much does it take to be enough? There’s not a clear answer on this, is there?
To be honest, I’m tired of trying to get it all together. I’m relieved God is teaching me new ways to think about my life and who I am. He’s teaching me to have confidence that I’m a new creation and my life is not my project.
[tweetthis]Note to self: It’s a life, not a performance.[/tweetthis]
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.–2 Corinthians 5:17
This amazing truth sets us free from the constant striving to get ourselves together, to make ourselves better.
Our new-creation-self in Christ is not an improved, spiffed up version of self.
Jesus didn’t come to make us better, but to make us new.
We know this, but sometimes the distance from head to heart is greater than 12 inches. Getting from head-knowledge of facts to life-knowledge of experience comes one day at a time.
How do we learn to live this new-creation life?
In the book Grace Walk, Steve McVey writes, “When you believe you are a new creation of Christ, you won’t feel the need to act. You can just be yourself, allowing the nature of Christ within your spirit to flow through your personality and out of your life, like the river of living water…that flows from your innermost being.”
When we trust God with our identity, we discover that our life is not our project.
For all of us get-it-all-together addicts,
this is game-changing news!
We can let go of the pressure to get-it-all-together because God will put us together. This is the difference between getting by in our own resources and effort and walking by faith.
May God himself,
the God who makes everything holy and whole…
put you together—spirit, soul, and body—
and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.
The One who called you is completely dependable.
If he said it, he’ll do it! 1 Thessalonians 5:23 MSG
Christ brings body, soul, and spirit in line with God’s design for our lives. In Christ, he puts it all together in us and brings forth our true identity. This is the joy of discovering our identity in Christ.
May God Himself–this is the personal touch of God, active and present in our lives. These verses are part of Paul’s prayer for believers. He asks for God to do something special. Something extraordinary, and something we cannot do for ourselves.
This is how to get it all together! It’s a work that only Christ can do.
This is what God delights to do–He is a God of wholeness, bringing all of us back into completeness that we were created for.
Spirit. Soul. Body.
This is wholeness: complete in all its parts, in no part wanting or unsound. Another translation says, sanctify you entirely.
This is no half-way kind of talk.
God is in the process of making us all-the-way whole and holy. This is sacred work that only God can do, an identity only God can give. There are no half-measures with God.
He will not leave you half-done, part-way.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. –Philippians 1:6
When we get discouraged with our flesh, thinking I don’t have it together…I’m not the woman I need to be…When we start down that bumpy road, God wants to encourage us. He will put us together—body, mind, and soul—he will bring it to completion.
So we can relax.
And breathe.
And let go of trying to do it all perfectly.
Yes, indeedy!
Let’s trust God to do what He says. Isn’t it time to get out of God’s way and let the Holy Spirit do the things He wants to do in our lives. How will life be different if we stop living like our life is a project rather than a life in Christ?
Related Post:
If I Get it All Together, How Much is Enough?
15 Power Truths About God to Ignite Your Faith
As I step into my bedroom, darkness seems to swallow me in thick blackness. Without the normal faint glow from the night light in the hall, I feel disoriented. Hands groping along the wall, I’m careful with every step. Hesitant and unsure, with hands stretched forward, I inch my way to the bed, not wanting to stub my toe on the dresser.
Ever feel like your life is like walking in that dark room?
Darkness wears many faces.
Physical darkness
Emotions, thoughts, and actions can be dark as well.
Dark situations can lead us to despair.
Confusion is a mental darkness as we search for answers, trying to make sense of tragedy or rejection.
How do we keep faith fresh in the darkness?
Consider how David faces dark challenges in Psalm 27.
The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?–Psalm 27:1
God is light and salvation in every situation. Friend, circumstances, and emotions can be a wild ride, but God never changes. What a difference light makes in the darkness.
What a difference light makes in the darkness.
Shining in the darkness of confusion, God’s light brings understanding by illuminating what we cannot see for ourselves. As God shines His light and we can see what is revealed.
Salvation: deliverance and help
Whom shall I fear?
Before David mentions his situation, he affirms that God is his light and salvation. Don’t miss this practical step. Speaking truth to ourselves is a holy habit that ignites faith. Saying it aloud is a way of shining God’s light into your darkness.
Overcome fear by looking at your situation in light of God’s presence and strength.
Trust God to lead you on His level path:
Physical level place: Remember the relief of a level path after a strenuous uphill climb?
Spiritual level place: righteousness, to make straight–bringing our thoughts, emotions, and decisions in line with the rightness of God’s nature.
Emotional level place. Fear triggers many emotions, tempting us to react to feelings rather than respond with faith. Feelings can drive our actions and shape our truth if we let them.
Mental level place–wisdom to know what to do in the challenge. It is also the quality of remaining focused and calm in our thoughts.
Light of truth overcomes despair.
As David faces his enemies, he strengthens his faith by reminding himself, affirming what is really true: God is my light and salvation.
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.–Psalm 27: 13
Note to self: It takes light to see God’s goodness.
Many times my experience has been more like this: I totally lost it. Consumed with anxiety, I am nearly giving up. I hope I’ll see the goodness of God, but I’m a wreck.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#faith #fightfear #trustGod”]Don’t let feelings define your faith.[/tweetthis]
David experienced a victory by not allowing his emotions shape his belief about the situation.
He held fast to the unchanging fact that God is good.
Even though God is good, hard days will come.
Maybe you’re stuck in the middle of a mess right this moment. Are you dangling over the edge with nothing solid beneath your feet?
[tweetthis]Hold on to the truth that God is good, and believe that you will see His goodness.[/tweetthis] In the land of the living.
Waiting can be a hard place to be. This kind of waiting means to expect, look forward to, linger for, as well as to bind together.
“To wait for the Lord is to make the Lord the clinging place of the soul, and therefore the resting place, and therefore the growing place.”–J. H. Jowett.
15 powerful truths about God to ignite your faith.
Seeking guidance? Facing a strong enemy? Struggling in a difficult situation?
If you missed part 1 of this post, check out 5 Things You Need to Know About God’s Guidance which covered Psalm 25:1-5.
Click here to read both Psalm 25 and 27 fully. What else can you to the following lists?
Read aloud the following truths and let the Holy Spirit energize your faith. Listen to God’s heart as truth speaks life to your soul:
God is my I AM who…
is completely trustworthy. Ps. 25:1
keeps me from shame and disappointment. Ps. 25:1
causes me to know His ways. Ps. 25:4
teaches me His paths, His way of living. Ps 25:4
leads me in truth. Ps. 25:5
saves and delivers me. Ps. 25:5
is worth waiting for. Ps. 25:5
sheds light in my darkness. Ps. 27:1
protects me; I do not need to give into fear. Ps. 27:1
leads me on level paths. Ps. 27:11
provides hope to overcome despair. Ps. 27:13
is always good. Ps. 27:13
enables me to experience His goodness. Ps. 27:1
revives, refreshes, and renews my heart. Ps. 27:13
strengthens me with courage and boldness. Ps. 27:14
What’s our part?
In the verses we’ve covered from Psalm 25:1-5 and 27 what was David’s action? What is our part? Declare to your soul that you will depend on God to do the following:
Relying on God, I will:
Receive God’s teaching
Follow truth
Remember God is my salvation
Be willing to wait for God
Look for God’s light
Resist fear
Follow His leading
Believe I will see His goodness
Receive God’s strength
Confidently expect God
For this moment, make the holy choice to receive all that God provides. Embrace the truth of who He is and what He does. Receiving invites God to go to work.
4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
An Easter devotion to inspire you to embrace the power of the resurrection of Jesus every day. Biblical wisdom to celebrate Easter throughout the year.
Easter comes softly, opening like the azaleas blooming in my back yard. In a busy life, Easter sneaks in, quietly overlooked in the blare of traffic, the push of work, and the constant motion of home and family.
Preparing our hearts for Easter is easily nudged aside. For this moment, stop the scurry and take a breath. Still your thoughts and discover the refreshing power of remembering.
A thread of connection between past and present, between temporal and eternal, the act of remembering is a practical part of worship.
Sometimes remembering is retrieving a lost thought, forgotten somewhere along the way. “Oh, now I remember…”
And then there is a spiritual practice of remembering—intentionally placing something on the forefront of our attention. The word remember is peppered throughout Scripture. Guarding our wayward and forgetful hearts, the practice of remembering opens the way for the Holy Spirit to work in our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Every. Single. Day.
Beyond all this, remembering becomes a tribute of honor, meaningful in the holiness of worship.
4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
Remember the first resurrection day.
Discover the power of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus every day. #easter #easterdevotion #resurrection Share on X
Hearts heavy with grief pressed down hard, women approached the tomb to find the stone is rolled away. Far beyond the ability of a single man to move, the stone no longer seals the grave where Jesus was placed.
Thoughts and emotions tangled and fought to make sense of the inexplicable. They entered into the tomb to discover His body was gone as two men appeared:
While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.”–Luke 24:4-6a
1. Remember Jesus is alive.
He is not dead.
He is not absent.
He has conquered sin and delivered us from the power of death.
In the confusion and grief of the moment, God sent a message to these women, and to us as well. How often do we, like the women at the tomb, need to remember our Lord is very much alive?
Every. Single. Day.
2. Remember His words.
“Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘the Son of Man must be delivered…'”–Luke 24:6b
Our Easter joy is in the power of this news–He has risen. The triumph of Easter is powerful, life-giving, world-changing news we need to remember. Every. Single. Day.
With our focus on Jesus’ resurrection, it’s easy to bypass the instruction of the angels at the tomb:
Remember what He said.
Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James had heard Jesus teach the Scriptures, and they also heard his personal words spoken through relationship over time. How many conversations had they had with Christ over the years?
How many memories?
How many messages had He spoken to their hearts?
In these conversations, Christ had explained what would happen–words that didn’t make sense at the time. Didn’t make sense at the moment, but in this moment it all became clear.
Now they remembered.
And now they understood.
Remembering what Christ said enabled them to understand a situation beyond their human experience. Remembering and understanding gave them powerful news to share with the others.
Remembering opened the door to greater joy through deeper understanding.
[tweetthis]Make time to listen, learn, and remember the words of Jesus.[/tweetthis]
Every. Single. Day.
3. Remember to return and report.
And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.–Luke 24:8-9
Remembering isn’t’ just for our benefit, not just for our faith, not just for our moment. The holy act of remembering is for returning to our places, homes, offices, communities to share the truth that Jesus lives.
And it is for reporting what we have experienced–the power of God’s word as it meets our experience–revelation.
Hearts that remember are able to remind others in their moments, their needs, and their hard places. We have the privilege of helping others to remember what Christ has said. Sharing this post is a great way to do this.
Every. Single. Day.
4. Remember Jesus is Savior, Lord, and Life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to theFather but through Me.–John 14:6
Remembering the resurrection–the truth that Christ is our Life is a worshipful way to great every day. Trusting in Christ for every need is remembering the resurrection in a way that will daily impact your life. [tweetthis]Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh life of Christ, bringing joy and strength that makes each day count.[/tweetthis]
Happy Easter, friends! Be blessed and be a blessing as you keep faith fresh by remembering to live fully in the life of Christ.
Every. Single. Day.
More Easter Devotions from Ginger
Are we email friends?
Here is a sample of the free resources to deepen your life with Christ available in my subscriber library. Sign up to receive my newsletter for access to the library and get my latest content delivered to your inbox!
Learn about Ginger’s award-winning book from Abingdon Press.
A powerful encouragement for anyone who struggles to overcome anxiety, perfectionism, insecurity, or other mindsets that hold us back. Grow in holiness without the pressure of having everything “just right.” Through gentle encouragement, biblical insights, and applicable ideas you can experience a deeper life of freedom in Christ. Transparently sharing my own struggles, I want to help you live from the reality of hope, healing, and holiness.
*This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
Six Powerful Lessons on Love and Humility from the Last Supper
As we prepare for Easter, reflect on these lessons about love and humility from Jesus’ teachings at the Last Supper. What can we learn from Christ’s words and example in his last meal with his disciples? Jesus demonstrated the power of love and humility in serving others as he washed the disciples’ feet. Are we willing to love and serve like Jesus?
Evening settles as men gather around a table for dinner. They do not yet know these are last moments carved out of time to have one final lesson with the Master.
Jesus could have talked about many things on this last evening with the disciples. They could have spent the time reminiscing the many stories they had lived together. He could have reviewed three years of teaching.
The importance of Jesus’s teaching at the Last Supper.
Last moments are for the heart and Christ leaves his disciples with powerful lessons on love and humility.
He “rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4-5
Getting up from the table, leaving the comfort of a good meal, Jesus purposefully lowers his position. Willingly he places himself in the position of a servant, the one with the most menial of tasks–to wash the feet filthy with the dust of the road and the sludge of life. The disciples were shocked that their teacher would stoop to such a lowly task. From our vantage point in history, the depth of humility is even more striking: the Son of God carried out the work of a servant.
How might the disciples have felt in that moment?
Foot washing was a task typically reserved for the lowliest household servants. It was unheard of for a respected rabbi to perform this act. The disciples, who had been arguing about who among them was the greatest (Luke 22:24), would have been deeply unsettled, perhaps even embarrassed, by Jesus’ actions.
Peter’s strong reaction, “Never shall You wash my feet!” (John 13:8), underscores their discomfort. Their teacher and Lord demonstrated a level of humility they could barely comprehend.
Jesus’s example of humility in the last supper.
“Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” John 13:12-15
As Christ washes the filth from feet, example becomes the tool–learning in the living, actions bring words to life and we will never be the same.
Knowing the moment of his betrayal by one of his own is set in motion, Jesus washes feet that walk across the heartache and trouble of this world gaping wide with sin. In just a few hours the sinless Son of God will lay down his life for the sin of us all. We cannot fully wrap our minds around the deep love and humility of Christ.
Six Powerful Lessons on Love and Humility from the Last Supper
Example is the most effective way of teaching lessons that transform. As we reflect on these last hours together, Jesus taught powerful lessons on the value of loving others with humility and service.
1. Be willing to get up from the table.
Acts of service require that we get up from the table. Service begins with a willingness to stop what we may be doing in order to serve others. Selfishness is a default setting in our human brains.
Are we willing?
2. Go low.
Jesus didn’t set a limit on the type of task he was willing to do to show love and service. Even though he set the stars in place, he stooped low to wash his disciples’ feet.
Are we willing?
3. Lay it aside.
Laying aside his garments…Jesus prepared to do the menial work of a servant, washing the feet of his disciples. How many times have we grumbled when interrupted? How easily we balk when it comes to putting the interests of others before our own. In our social media driven culture, we curate our lives, carefully choosing the images that show us at our best. Taking off his outer garments was an act of vulnerability with no shred of pride. Jesus showed how to lay aside image and reputation in service to others.
Are we willing?
4. The power of cleansing.
Peter responds, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answers, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” John 13:8
Has God ever surprised you with how he chooses to work? I’m sure none of the disciples entered the upper room that night expecting Jesus to wash their feet. Are we willing to learn, when the lesson is not what we expected?
Cleaning our sin-stained hearts is a non-negotiable aspect of the saving work of Jesus. True humility of service requires that selfishness and sin be purified.
Are we willing?
5. Knowing is not the same as doing.
IF you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. —John 13:17
If is an interesting word, isn’t it? Packed with possibility and choice, the word If raises a question. Maybe we will, but then again…maybe we won’t.
How often do we know the right thing. . . but don’t do it?
Obedience can be a touchy subject, evoking memories of times we broke the rules, got in trouble, or let someone down. When we view obeying God through the foggy lens of religious duty or performance-based acceptance, obedience feels hard and heavy.
On this last night, Jesus teaches that our best blessings come when follow his example with humility and love.
There is a blessing for us in obedience in serving others, even in the most menial of tasks.
Are we willing?
6. Live it out.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.–John 13:34-35
Why does Jesus close out his time on earth, his last peaceful moments of friendship, emphasizing the importance of loving one another? These are the last hours before the world will rise against him with the harsh words chanted by frenzied crowds, “Crucify him, crucify him!“
When we dig beneath the soil of our ambitions, our greatest need and our deepest struggle is to love and be loved. “Love me,” is the cry of every heart. “Am I loved? Am I loveable? Am I worth loving?” is the question that hides in every motivation, desire, and conflict.
Reflection questions on love and humility.
Take a few moments to go deeper into this passage by reflecting on these questions:
- What is something you may need to pause or set aside to serve someone today?
- Is there a task you’ve been avoiding because it feels beneath you? How might approaching it with humility reflect Christ’s love?
- What might you need to “lay aside” to serve others more freely—your comfort, pride, or even reputation?
- When has God worked in an unexpected way in your life? How did it teach you to trust Him more deeply?
- What is one way you can put into action something you know God has called you to do?
Why did Jesus teach this lesson on love?
- Love is like oxygen. We need to know we are loved and we need to love others.
- Loving God and loving one another is the one foundation we cannot do without.
- Love is where life is lived, salvation worked out, and victory won.
- Love is the motivation of humility.
Without love, service is meaningless, teaching becomes noise, and faith misses the point.
Without love we are bankrupt souls and our greatest work turns to dust in the light of eternity.–Holy in the Moment
At first glance, this is a seemingly simple command: love others.
Familiar words, until we read as I have loved you. Loving others as Christ has loved us requires a willingness to serve and sacrifice, to love without condition, expectation, or position. There are so many important lessons woven into Jesus’ example and teaching during the Last Supper. Lessons on love and humility that have the power to transform our hearts and impact the world around us.
As we reflect on the humility and love demonstrated by Jesus at the Last Supper, may it inspire us to serve others with a willing heart. If this message has touched your heart, I invite you to explore more Easter content that dives deeper into Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Let these stories and lessons renew your faith and prepare your heart for this holy season.
Lord, make us willing.
Leave a comment and share which one of these powerful lessons resonates most with you today!
*This post may contain affiliate links that cost you nothing.
Discover the Practical Power of Your Choices
A deeper, healthier life in Christ happens in the choices we make in the moment. Learn practical ways to live with freedom and joy to overcome perfectionism, anxiety, insecurity, self-righteousness, and negative attitudes. Are you ready to discover the difference your choices can mak
Get Access to Ginger’s Free eBooks and Workbooks in The Deeper Life Collection
Enjoy the best of our practical resources to deepen your relationship with God. Get access to the Collection below.
More Easter Posts
Read more inspirational content from Ginger.
- The Easter Collection: Best Devotions to Celebrate Lent and Easter
- 4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
- Easter Will Not Be Cancelled: Remember the Unstoppable Joy of the Resurrection
- Listen to Jesus: 4 Truths Every Believer Needs to Hear
- Six Short Devotions to Help You Listen to Jesus
How to Care for Your Soul: Best Tips from 13 Christian Bloggers
Soul care opens the door for fresh faith and vibrant life. Intentional choices to care for our souls open the door for everyday holiness that makes a difference.
Because this is such a practical and important topic, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite bloggers to share their best tips. I asked them two simple questions:
What have you learned about soul care?
What is one way you care for your soul?
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#soulcare #faith #refreshfaith”]Take care of your soul with these practical tips from Christian bloggers.[/tweetthis]
Hint: each blogger’s name is linked to related posts on their websites. Save this post as a valuable resource for God-filled soul care!
Betsy DeCruz
I take care of my soul by trying fresh approaches to my quiet time. Time with God every morning recharges me and helps realign my heart to God’s purposes—yet sometimes I fall into a rut.
Some mornings I zone out while praying or my eyes glaze over while I read scripture, so I like to get creative. I listen to a worship song or sometimes light a candle. I use colored pencils and pens in my journal.
When I feel burdened, I spend more time praying. I use prayer journaling, prayer mapping, and make simple lists as I lift my concerns to the Lord and pray for grace to trust Him. Other days I spend more time reading scripture. I like to use different approaches to engage with God’s Word: reading aloud, listening, writing out verses, or verse mapping.
One thing almost never changes: I choose one verse to take with me into my day.
Deb Wolf
The one thing I’ve learned is that soul care is absolutely essential. My soul is the core of who I am. I fall apart mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually if my soul is not filled by the One who created it.
When it comes to how I care for my soul . . . I focus on Jesus through prayer and Bible study. I also enjoy spending time talking with others and reading books and blogs.
If I want to enjoy peace in my soul, I need Jesus!
Liz Giertz
I’ve learned that soul care isn’t optional.
If I don’t do it, I can’t care for anybody else. Like most women, I have quite a few people who rely on me to care for them.
On a daily basis, I get up before the other members of my house to have coffee with Jesus. But sometimes I need more time alone with Him than our crazy schedules allow.
My husband has been so supportive, allowing me time once or twice a year to get away to a quiet place where I can simply soak in all God has for filling me up. I love getting lost in the Bible and swept away by worship – that provides everlasting nourishment for my soul.
The other thing that sets my soul on fire, is dreaming with God about how I can use what He’s given me to glorify Him.
Adrienne Terrebone
As a mom, it is easy to neglect myself, spending all my energy on serving my husband and three children. When I don’t take time to focus on myself, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day, I can easily get depleted, which leads to frustration for me and for my family.
For me, caring for my soul means a variety of things.
Slowing down and enjoying the small moments with my children.
Spending time in the Word of God or
Enjoying a good book on the back porch.
I tend to be introverted which means that I need a little time to myself to rejuvenate and refresh.
Arabah Joy
Soul care starts with Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Regular communion with God is the best way I can take care of my soul.
I’ve learned the importance of solitude and stillness. That means getting away from people and the hustle of daily life with no phones, computers, or other noise makers.
Book: Trust Without Borders: A 40-Day Devotional Journey to Deepen, Strengthen, and Stretch Your Faith in God
Melanie Redd
We all need time apart – time to come away and refresh, renew, and be restored. When I don’t take time for these things, I become uptight, tense, and difficult to live with! So, in the best interest of my family, friends, and ministry, I need to make time for my soul to be filled back up.
To recharge my soul, I daily have quiet time, weekly have more lengthy quiet time, and twice a year, my husband and I try to take a few days away to be still. It’s amazing what these times of quiet do to restore our souls!
One of my favorite ways to fill back up is to spend time with other women who love the Lord and love me. To share our hearts, share our burdens, pray with each other, and pray for each other – all of these things deeply minister to my soul!
I try to get with at least one positive, praying friend every week.
Book: How to Win Your Child’s Heart For Life: 8 Proven Strategies for Parents
Sarah Koontz
My soul has needs, demands, cravings that must be satisfied on a regular basis. When I fail to care for my soul, I am unfit to care for anything or anyone else in my life.
I carve out time for rest…every single day. God has taught me the art of restful living. When I rest, I rest my whole person: Body, Soul, and Spirit. Rest gives my soul perspective, patience, and the strength to persist.
Cathy Baker
I’ve learned in caring for my soul is that it prefers a whole-food diet. I can do good things 24/7. I can speed-read a multitude of good and godly books. And I can attend church every Sunday. But if my regular intake of spiritual nourishment isn’t grounded in devouring the wholeness of God’s Word (Jer. 15:16) and time with Him in prayer, all other things—no matter how good—leaves me weak, confused, and vulnerable.
One way I’ve started caring for my soul is to crank up the praise music and sing for 15 minutes before sitting down to read the Bible. Luke 10 tells us to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength, and singing praises with my whole heart is one way my soul is both emptied and re-filled. It has also proven to set the stage for a deeper, more meaningful one-on-one time with Him.
Kori Yates
Soul care has to be a priority, something done intentionally or it doesn’t get done. It also seems to get more important to me the longer I walk with the Lord and know Him more.
Make time with Him a priority. Some of my best times with him are running early in the morning with no distractions. I have to schedule it and I prefer to do it first thing. I also intentionally find friends or small groups.
Community and accountability is vital for my soul care.
Book: Olive Drab Pom-Poms
Michelle Bengtson
I’ve learned that if the enemy of our soul cannot destroy us, he’ll distract us with so much busyness that we forget to take time to take care of ourselves.
If we don’t take care of ourselves, our well will run dry until we have nothing left to pour out onto others. We must consider life a marathon and not a sprint, and take time to care for ourselves if we want to have the strength and endurance for the difficult valleys.
I make it a priority to engage in regular physical exercise every week, and then on a regular basis, I make it a priority to get out on the water where I feel most at peace. That always brings me back to a place where I hear God best and can forget about the worries of the day/week/month for a few moments and just be still and rest in Him.
Book: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.
Kellie Balarie
If I don’t care for my soul, no one else will. The matter of caring for my soul hinges upon making time for God. If I don’t, I suffer. If I do, I grow in fruitfulness, joy and kindness.
My favorite way to refresh my soul is to take a walk with God. I love to get outside, breathe deep and let His creation touch my heart.
Book: Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears
Karrilee Aggett
If I don’t make caring for my soul a priority, no one else will either! In fact, no one else will know if I am taking care of myself… at least not until it’s quite obvious to everyone! (Ask me how I know!)
I have learned, as an Introvert who pastors, I need to schedule in a chunk of time to recharge after a full weekend of ministering or a big event. I try to rest that day or set aside time. I’m not going to allow time to boss me around.
During my refresh time, I do only things that fill me up… read, write, pray, make art, go for a walk. Sometimes meet an encouraging friend for coffee or watch a movie (as long as I am not using it as a way to escape).
Soul Care (or self-care) is not selfish at all and it actually enables me to bring my best self to the table on a more consistent basis!
Jennifer Moye
I have learned that when caring for myself, I am caring for the rest of my body, and my family as well. God commands us to worship him with all our mind, body, and soul. Caring for our body, mind, and soul is one way of offering worship.
One way I’m learning to take care of my soul is a new-found practice of holy yoga, which helps me calm my mind and pray Scripture. We are so rushed in today’s life that we rarely clear our thoughts enough to enjoy God’s presence.
Book: A Gospel Christmas: Our Journey Connecting Santa and His Elf to the Story of Our Savior
Your Turn!
What have you learned about soul care? What’s your best practice for attending to your soul? I’d love for you to leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Enjoy the rest of this series:
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
Soul Care: 5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
Enjoy my new mini-ebook, Soul Care that Makes the Difference. Use this simple tool for a devotional guide or prayer journal and experience the difference soul care can make.
Enjoy beautiful quotes that remind you to care for your soul. Learn more about simple reminders and truths from Ginger’s new book, Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life.
.
5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
Because God loves you, it’s okay to love yourself.
Because God loves you, “Do you really mean God is NEVER not pleased with me? No matter what?”
This question made us all stop and listen hard.
Last night I sat in class. We talked about our concept of God, drawing pictures of what we thought about God when we were children.
Many of us (as children) thought of God as one who was only pleased with good behavior. That’s not theologically true, but it’s a common message kids absorb from parents and teachers–being good brings approval. Being bad brings disapproval. Our concept of God is often influenced by relationships with parents or other significant adults.
Diving deeper into our discussion, we talked about the extravagant love of God. “God’s love for you is not tied to performance. He loves you for who you are, not what you do or don’t do.”
We know this, but there’s so much more to discover through a knowing that comes through revelation and Spirit-given-gut-insight.
Next to me, a friend listened to our conversation. All of a sudden, she inhaled deep and looked up with the wonder that comes when God moves our hearts to a new understanding. That’s when she asked her question.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#Godlovesyou #AcceptedbyGod”]”Do you really mean God is NEVER not pleased with me? No matter what? Really, really, REALLY?”[/tweetthis]
In a flash, a classroom of students became a sanctuary, holy and alive as God touched each one of us.Time expanded beyond it’s borders into the eternal. She put audible words to that question we’ve all struggled with at some point–does God really, really, REALLY love me no matter what I do or don’t do?
Overwhelmed, she wept hot, cleansing tears in the midst of a sacred hush. Uncontainable, love spilled over as gratitude ran down her cheeks, leaving wet marks on her drawing. Tears marked her receiving this fresh glimpse of God’s love.
Here’s one simple truth:
We can’t separate loving God from loving others and loving ourselves. Love was never meant to be divided up and handed out in portions. Safe in the love of Christ, love is who we are and what we have to give.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”via@GingHarrington”]Since God loves you so very much, isn’t it time to for you to be okay with loving you?[/tweetthis]
5 powerful ways to care for your soul.
Love God with your life. The greatest command, the one most important thing God asks of us is to love Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength. The more fully we grasp the wonder of God’s love, the more we love Him. And the more we can accept and love ourselves.(Mark 12:29-31).
Let go of negative thinking. God’s guide for good thoughts applies to how you think about yourself. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
Forgive yourself. Why do you say, “I can’t forgive myself,” when God has forgiven and forgotten? Accept God’s forgiveness by forgiving yourself. Hold onto the truth rather than feelings of guilt. (Psalm 103:12, Jeremiah 31:34)
Forgive others. Refusing to forgive others is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Unforgiveness holds you captive (Ephesians 4:32, Mark 11:25).
Believe God pleased with the work he is doing in you. “…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Secure in the love of God, you can release the fear that God is disappointed with you. (Phil. 2:13, Zephaniah 3:17)
Make the most of your days by loving God, loving others, and loving yourself. The best way to care for our souls is to take God’s greatest commands to heart: 1 Corinthians 3:16
Love God + love your neighbor + love yourself =
Soul care that makes the difference.
When you sign up receive a free printable mini-ebook of with 21 tips plus Bible verses to encourage your heart today. Click here to sign up.
I’d love to hear from you. Take a sec to say hi in the comments.
Other posts in this series:
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
22 Ways to Care for Your Soul
Believe that you matter. You have value and worth. Don’t swallow the lies and rejection of others that can make you feel worthless. These words aren’t from God and they are not true (1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1...
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
To the one who has forgotten she matters.
To the one who has forgotten she matters.The squawk of the clock radio jolts her awake. Everything in her jerks at the startling intrusion. Before feet hit the floor, she’s already stressed. Truth is, she’s been scurrying from task to task, issue to issue for so long that she carries a constant tension in her shoulders.
Getting dressed, her mind flips past the appointments and projects, landing with a thunk on a recent conflict that weighs heavy on her heart. A familiar thought interrupts: It doesn’t matter how much you do. It will never be enough.
The leap from feeling a disappointment is as quick as the inhale of breath: You don’t matter. Your feelings don’t count.
Caught in the fray of expectations, responsibilities, conflicts and the craziness of life, it’s all too easy to agree with the great lie that echoes in her thoughts: You don’t matter.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#loveyourself, #youmatter”]Giving to everyone but herself, she’s forgotten that she matters.[/tweetthis]
I’ve had days where I am this woman, and maybe you have too.
Remembering you matter.
Receiving God’s love enables us to embrace our value. It empowers us to love God, self, and others well. When we forget that we matter, we neglect to love ourselves in ways that refresh the soul. Here’s the truth: you matter and caring for your soul matters.
When did we start needing permission to love, accept, and take care of ourselves? Why is it so hard to grab hold of the truth that it’s okay to love ourselves?
Jesus reminds us: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
We can’t separate loving God from loving others and loving ourselves. Love was never meant to be divided up and handed out in portions to those who deserve it. In Christ, love is who we are and what we have to give.
Because God loves you, it’s okay to love yourself.
Love your neighbor as yourself. Consider the layers of meaning in this phrase.
- As–in reference to time– While you love others, love your self. While you love yourself, love others.
- As–a comparison. Love others the way you love yourself. Love yourself the way you love others.
Is it possible that we can’t love others well when we won’t love ourselves?
Why loving yourself is a God-filled grace.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#takecareofyourself, #youmatter”]How do we love ourselves without veering into self-absorption or selfishness?[/tweetthis]
This is a tricky line, but we ask God to help us fully understand and live out these two great commands. Loving self is of the spirit; self-love is of the flesh.
What’s the difference? Motivation and source.
Rather than rules weigh us down, these words are given to lighten our load. The Bible shows us how to live well with God, self, and others. Loving ourselves is spirit work that rests secure in the love of God. Self-love is the flesh’s drive to get our needs met by our own efforts.
You Matter: 10 ways to love yourself and care for your soul.
Believe that you matter. You have value and worth. Don’t swallow the lies and rejection of others that can make you feel worthless. These words aren’t from God and they are not true (1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Agree with what God says about you in His Word. Agreeing is faith in action. When you agree with God, there’s no room for the enemy to enter the conversation (Psalm 139:14, Jeremiah 31:3, John 4:19).
Intentionally receive God’s love. Hold out your hands and your heart and actually say it, “Lord, I receive your love. Thank you!” (Ephesians 3:16-19, John 3:16, John 1:16).
Rely on Christ for your needs. (Phil 4:19) When we trust Christ to meet our needs, we can stop trying so hard to get love, acceptance, security, value, and worth by our own efforts and coping skills. Freedom to love yourself in a godly way is found by living in the Spirit not working in the flesh.
Accept yourself. You are loved and accepted by God. When you believe this, you will be free to accept yourself. You cannot love what you refuse to accept (Psalm 139).
Embrace the truth of God’s Word. Scripture is filled with truths to set you free to live and love with joy and freedom (John 8:32).
Speak truth to yourself. Stop repeating the old messages and lies–the I can’ts, I’ll never’s, I should’s, and I’m not’s. Stop keeping records of your mistakes and sins. God isn’t counting, why should you? (Psalm 103:12, 1 Corinthians 13:5).
Trust God with your imperfections and insecurities. He’s promised to bring you to completion. Trust Him to finish what He’s started (1 Thess. 5:23-24, Philippians 1:6).
Care for yourself: body, mind, and soul. You take care of others. It’s time to put yourself on the list (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Rest and honor the Sabbath—rest is a physical need and a holy command. (Exodus 33:14, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 23:2-3).
It’s okay to care for yourself.
These are just a few ways to show love and grace to yourself. Secure in God’s love, you are free to love God, others, and yourself. Caring for yourself, enables you to have more to give others for you are not constantly running on empty.
So today, I write to the one who is weary of all the trying. I speak to one who labors under the weight of self-condemnation. I whisper words of permission to the one who has forgotten she matters.
God loves you and it’s okay.
It’s okay to love yourself.
It’s good to love yourself.
Loving yourself is a necessary grace.
What’s one way you show love to yourself?
Don’t miss the other posts in this series:
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
Take action with this free ebook when you sign up for my newsletter.
Got time to watch this video? You’ll be glad you did. This video encourages me every time I watch it.
[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZLPSw8U8″ title=”Colbie%20Callet%20video%20of%20Try.”]
Related posts to enjoy:
Soul Search: Why Are You so Hard on Yourself?
Soul Questions: Do You Like You?