Recovering is intentional.
Her are 7 Steps to a full recovery!
There is a cost to care.
When you care for someone you pour yourself out emotionally, spiritually and mentally as you focus on them and their need(s). That takes much energy. You will also feel physically spent.
In our natural state, that is unsustainable. You can't keep caring without taking care of yourself.
Lately I've been feeling stressed. Of course! I haven't taken a day off. There is always a task to do, someone to visit, funds to raise, something to write, a project to work on. That is my compulsion driven by anxiety. God isn't asking me to work all the time. He calls me to himself to experience some Immanuel. God with us/me.
I am called to work out of the fullness of God's presence, not to squeeze out the last drop of my weakness.
Here are seven steps to recovery and fullness so that you will be full and work will be a pleasure, even easy.
- Decide. "I choose to stop my busyness and seek God's presence and direction.
- Stop. Be still for a brief time or a long time, stop moving, breath deeply and slow your anxious heart. (Find time to sit in front of the fireplace, especially during this very busy holiday season.)
- Pray. "Speak Lord. God, be with me. Help me feel your presence."
- Listen. God leads, challenges, corrects, confirms, affirms -- all for you good according to His love and purpose. He will speak into your Spirit. What is he saying to you? What Scripture coincides with what you are hearing? Maybe reading your Bible comes first.
- Trust. God will empower, equip and supply you for whatever he calls you to do and He will also be working beyond anything you can see or measure.
- Do. Take action from the experience of God's presence and in obedience to God's leading.
- Rest. Trust God to work. You've done what you've been asked to do. Watch and see what God does. Experience peace, confidence and results (not compulsive and tired activity). "I trust you God. I trust You. Amen."
Then repeat. And repeat. And repeat...
You will recover from everything you have poured out and will live in the fullness of serving God by caring for His people.
Your care matters!!! Live in a way that you can keep caring.
