So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. – Luke 5:16

One of the most important people that you are assigned to care for is you. That’s right you! It’s easy to neglect ourselves to make sure the needs of others are being met. We tend to feel guilty or selfish for putting ourselves ahead of others or even worse we have this false belief that everything will fall apart if we take time to pause for a timeout. We far too often consider our tireless work charitable. When in fact it is restless striving to maintain control. The reality is, none of us can pour from an empty cup.

Self-ministry (my new favorite word) is important. Prioritizing time to care for yourself, rest, pray for and encourage yourself. Spending time meditating on scripture to insulate yourself with the Word of God. Filling yourself with the oil to keep the candle burning. Refreshing yourself for the work ahead of you. Filling your soul with things that bring you joy and peace. Allowing God to minister to you so that you can minister to others.

One individual who beautifully modeled self-ministry is Jesus. Scriptures record the Messiah regularly taking time away for self-ministry. I love how Luke records it in his gospel, “Jesus often withdrew…”, He regularly took time to get away from the crowds for a time of prayer, rest and refreshment. Jesus was able to rest knowing that the needs of His people would be met, the work would continue, and the Father was in control. He was aware that He had to get away from the crowds. He knew the benefits and importance of being alone in the Father’s presence for a time of refreshment. That these get aways were necessary for Him to continue the work He was called to do. Jesus got away. And He did this often.

Surely, if Jesus, Son of God, God in the flesh, modeled this for us we can make time to minister to ourselves and allow Him to minister to us so that we can properly care for those around us.

Make time to get away. Often.

Peace & Blessings.