What Makes Self-care Seem So Difficult?

Human nature dictates we care for others and especially that we care for ourselves as long as we can do so. Taking care of yourself during grief and sorrow or following a traumatic event is difficult because the tendency to be narrowly focused shapes your behavior.

During very stressful moments the impulse to make important life decisions should be avoided since a significant change adds to stress levels by creating more anxiety and fear. Some changes are unavoidable, so consulting with trusted friends and family can be reassuring.

Taking ownership for self-care is important. Being accountable may involve asking for help, especially when feeling overwhelmed by too many choices and decisions. Never hesitate to seek the comfort and fellowship of the Lord God even if you blame him for what you are experiencing. God loves you with an unfailing love that will not fade or be diminished by your grief and sorrow. 

                           

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How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! ... With all my heart I praise the Lord. 

~Psalm 103:11-12, 22b Contemporary English Version 

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Can Impulsive Behavior Be Controlled?

One characteristic of adolescent children is the tendency to act impulsively without first evaluating the implications of their choices. Young people’s immaturity and lack of experience make it difficult to visualize themselves meeting a tragic end.

Impulsive behavior is often associated with lasting regret. In high school, two friends impulsively decided to join the Navy. Having failed to acquire high school diplomas, their assigned job duties failed to meet their expectations. Another defining moment came when they left their Naval base without permission and returned home.

Impulsive decisions often result in pain and suffering. Yet a decisive moment can be a positive experience when anchored in prayer and the certainty of God’s blessings. Failures also can result in positive good if a person seeks God’s forgiveness and turns to him in sincere repentance.

God’s love for us is greater than our sin.                    

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When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears and delivers them... The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

~Psalm 34:17-18 Revised Standard Version

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What Secret Plan Is God Waiting to Share with You?

A decisive moment can be prompted by what was not previously understood. The mother of a third-grade girl did everything conceivable to ensure her daughter’s popularity at school. Realizing her daughter’s frustration and unhappiness, the mother wisely decided to stop pressuring her little girl.

It was a decisive moment when the mother realized that loving her child as the person God created was the most significant blessing she could bestow upon her. 

The child no longer felt that pleasing her mother was her main purpose in life. She now could be friends with whomever she chose.

God’s desire is to give you his love. Colossians 1:27 tells us God’s secret plan is literally Christ Jesus in you so you can share in God's glory. Coming to realize and accept this wonderful truth can be a pivotal moment that changes your life. Why not do it? Just tell Jesus you’re ready.   

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But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord [Jesus Christ] and to spread the Gospel like sweet perfume. 

~2 Corinthians 2:14 The Living Bible

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Hope: A Bridge out of Darkness

Evil builds a bridge to sorrow and grief. As a slave in Egypt, Joseph could have submitted to evil's purpose and participated in building a bridge to his own demise. However, his faith made it impossible for him to submit to evil’s purpose. Every duty he was assigned, he did with diligence.

          God's presence insures endurance. Listen to Lamentations 3:21-23.  "I remember my affliction, but because of the Lord's great love, I am not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is God’s faithfulness. I say to myself, 'I will trust in him.' The Lord is good to those who hope in him and who seek him.''

          Joseph possessed hope, which made it possible to see light at the end of a dark tunnel. God's purpose for us is to acknowledge His presence regardless of how dark the moment may be. By knowing God is present and that his mercies endure forever, you can go forward to find purpose and meaning that defines your life.  

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But a hope that is seen is not real hope, for who hopes for what he actually sees? But if we hope for something we do not see, we keep on patiently waiting for it.

~Romans 8:25 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:31 New International Version