“Sacred Rest: Why Self-Care Matters to God"
Article Author: Shanice Toombs
05/11/2026
Have you ever put everyone's needs and wants above yours, getting burnt out from taking care of others? Have you ever felt guilty for putting others on the back burner in order to take care of yourself? Or, have you ever felt too worn down to take care of yourself after meeting other’s needs? If you were able to answer yes for any of these questions, then you need true self care.
Act 3:19-21 “...that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Most people, when they think of self care, they see it as luxury or some luxurious task. True self care goes beyond just physical rest. It is also spiritual renewal. As christian women, in the midst of taking care of others, such as family, work, or simply life itself, self care is necessary to honor and upkeep the mind and body God has given us.
Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Some of the best forms of self-care we can give ourselves are prayer, reading the bible, starting a journal, or just spending time alone with God. You can think of these practices as taking care of your mind. Through these simple practices you are actually allowing God to refresh your heart and mind.
Mark 6:31 “ Come with me by yourself to a quiet place and get some rest.”
If you question putting yourself first based on how others feel about you, or see you, you must remember that God wants us to be the very best version of ourselves. He wants us to have a full and prosperous life! A few things that may help this journey may be setting boundaries, getting rest and sleep, taking care of your body, or even speaking words of affirmation over yourself. God wants us to rest in him and know that no matter how old we get, or what we have going on in our lives, HIS rest is available for you. God gave us an invitation to get rest and take care of ourselves.
Matt 11:28 “ Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and, I will give you rest.”
Don’t look at self care as an escape or a burden, but rather as a way to get closer to God,walking in His peace. By taking care of ourselves, we are filling ourselves spiritually so that we can also pour into others when they are feeling empty.
Exodus 33:14 “ My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.”