Make time for God and yourself

There was a time in my life when I felt like I was running on empty. I was pouring myself into everything and everyone—family, work, church—but I was neglecting two critical areas: my relationship with God and my own self-care. I told myself that I didn’t have time for quiet moments with God or to take care of my physical and emotional health because I was too busy taking care of others. But eventually, I realized that I wasn’t helping anyone by living this way. I was exhausted, irritable, and spiritually disconnected.

One morning, I reached for my Bible, desperate for a sense of peace. As I flipped through the pages, I came across Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Those words felt like a warm embrace. They reminded me that God doesn’t want me to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. He invites me to come to Him, to rest in His presence, and to let Him renew my strength.

From that day forward, I made a commitment to prioritize time with God and take care of my own needs. I began each morning with prayer and Scripture, asking God to guide my day and fill me with His peace. Those moments of connection became my anchor, reminding me of His love and purpose for my life.

But I also realized that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish—it was essential. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to honor God with our bodies. For me, that meant making healthier choices, moving my body regularly, and allowing myself time to rest and recharge.

I started small. I set aside just 10 minutes a day for quiet prayer and reflection. I planned simple, nourishing meals and began taking short walks to clear my mind. Over time, these habits grew into a lifestyle. I found that when I prioritized God and self-care, I had more energy, patience, and joy to give to others.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, I want to encourage you to take a step back and assess where you’re spending your time and energy. Are you carving out moments to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His voice? Are you caring for your body, mind, and spirit so you can serve others from a place of strength?

Remember, even Jesus took time to withdraw from the crowds and spend time alone with the Father. If the Son of God needed that time, how much more do we? Prioritizing time with God and taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for living the life He’s called you to live.

Today, I challenge you to start small. Spend five minutes in prayer or read a short devotional. Take a 10-minute walk or drink an extra glass of water. Little by little, you’ll see how these small steps can lead to big changes.

God wants you to thrive—not just for your sake, but so you can be a blessing to those around you. When you take time to connect with Him and care for yourself, you’re not just filling your own cup; you’re allowing His love and grace to overflow into every area of your life.

Let’s make time with God and self-care a priority together. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can give to others when you’re filled with His strength and peace.