By MARION J. MILLER
Mark 6:30-31b
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”
People are often asked, “How are you doing?” And we’ve learned how to answer without really answering. We say, “I’m blessed and highly favored,” or, “I’m doing fine.” But deep down — in your spirit, in your heart — you know that’s not the truth. Because the truth is, many of us are tired. Tired in ways that don’t show. Tired in ways words can’t fully express. Matthew’s Gospel informs us to “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.”
And that brings us face-to-face with something we don’t talk about enough — self-care.
We are living in a time unlike any we’ve known. The world feels heavy — global tensions, uncertain leadership and deep division. Technology is moving faster than we can keep up, reshaping how we live, work and think.
And in the middle of it all, many are just trying to keep up. The gap between those who have and those who have not is growing. Stress is rising. Anxiety is real. And the pace of life isn’t slowing down. Here’s the danger: We keep saying we’re “fine” while slowly wearing ourselves down — neglecting our own care.
But even as the world changes, God remains the same. Governments shift, economies shake, and technology advances — but the same God who sustained us yesterday will sustain us through whatever comes tomorrow. That is why we must be intentional about self-care.
True self-care is not self-centered; it is life in Christ. It is being made alive through Christ. The human self is made up of body, soul, and spirit. Our body must be cared for through healthy habits like nutrition, rest and exercise. Our soul also needs care — but it finds its true healing only in Christ. And as believers, our spirit is the deepest part of who we are, and it is meant to be anchored in God alone.
Our spirit is how we communicate with God, hear His voice, love others, and serve the world around us. But when we talk about caring for the self, there is always the danger of turning inward instead of upward.
There is a difference between self-care and soul-care. On the surface, they may look similar — rest, reading, creativity, exercise and healthy living. But self-care, when disconnected from God, becomes focused on self alone, building our own comfort, our own kingdom, and even idolizing our own needs. Soul-care, however, draws us closer to God. It seeks Him through His Word and sees Him at work in His world. We should pray continuously, “Lord, restore me.”
Rev. Marion J. Miller is the Senior Pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church, 1201 Thomas V. Bryant Drive, Jeffersonville, Indiana. She’s an Associate District Superintendent in the Southern Rivers District. She may be reached at 812-283-3747 or via email at wesley1201@sbcglobal.net.
