Standing and interceding for others can really drain you mentally which is why taking time for yourself to recharge and do some pampering spiritually is so important.
Standing in the gap for your husband and marriage can possibly be even more draining which is why spending some time for self care (spiritual self care, that is) is so important during your stand.
5 Tips For Spiritual Self Care While Standing in the Gap
What, then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31
If God has called you to stand in the gap for your husband, I can probably guess that your situation is less than desirable.
Through my whole standing journey, I have met other standers who have been called for this specific purpose. Not one of them was called when their marriage was at a high point. They’ve all been called to stand when their marriage seemed hopeless and beyond repair.
This certain time of our lives, this storm, is emotionally and mentally draining. This is why spending some time on your spiritual well being is so important.
In this post, I will discuss:
*What is spiritual self care?
*Why is it so important to take some time for spiritual self care?
*Spiritual self care tips
What is spiritual self care?
As a stander, you can get consumed with your circumstances, what your husband is doing, and even just the uncertainty of the situation.
This alone can take you away from your peace.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. – Romans 16:2
This is where taking time for yourself to do some spiritual self care comes in to play
What is spiritual self care?
Spiritual self care are activities that you do to nurture your spirit and mind and to know there is One who is greater than your worries and concerns, that is God.
Why Is It So Important To Take Some Time for Spiritual Self Care?
Focusing on your problems and situations can cause you to spiral down the wrong path.
Practicing spiritual self care realigns you back on track with what is true and what God calls you to fix your eyes on instead of your situation.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:3
Spiritual Self Care Tips
Here are some tried and true tips that have helped me during my stand and some that you may not have even thought of!
1. Work On Your Faith:
Spend time with Jesus. He knows the best remedy to cure your funk and He is the only one that will get you through the storm you are in.
He promises to give you peace that surpasses all understanding when you give your cares to Him. He also tells you what else you are to do instead of moping around and consuming your mind with your circumstances.
Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He as done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. – Colossians 3:2
Spend time in His Word, in prayer, in worship.
It is said that when you worship, your taking the focus off of your worry and putting the focus on the Lord.
Practice realigning your thoughts of things above, of Him and remember that the battle is not between you and anyone on this Earth. The battle is dealt with in the spiritual realm so fight the battle on your knees in prayer. Jesus has already won your battle for you.
Work On Your Relationships:
Spending quality time with the relationships you have will help you to take your mind off your marriage and your situation.
I’m sure your husband is not the only person on this planet that God has brought into your life. If for any reason he is the only person in this season…join a small group at your home church, get to know people in your neighborhood. No man is an island, we are not called to live this life and walk this journey alone. We are called into fellowship with one another.
Kids
If you have kids, spend time with your kids and enjoy the season they are in right now. And as your probably know, they will never be this age again. My husband left when I was pregnant and so I regret not enjoying and absorbing all I could while she was a newborn and an infant. Looking back, at that time, I was still trying to see how I can get my husband back, how our marriage can be restored.
Don’t get me wrong I am still hoping for marriage restoration however my mind and my soul is not as restless as it was. I have learned to trust and depend on the Almighty with my marriage because only He can. And in the meantime, enjoy my time with my daughter.
Parents
If your parents are still alive, spend time with them. During the height of my storm, right after my husband left, my parents were living with me at the time and I told them to find their own place. Still regret it but that’s another story for another day… Anyhow, I still try to spend time with as much as I can between home and work.
Siblings and friends
Spend time with your siblings and friends and build relationships with people in your church.
Just one thing to keep in mind when you are around your people is to not talk about or think about your husband or your situation. That’s not the idea of this kind of self care, this is about bringing you joy and filling your cup up.
Work On Your Mind
The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23 to “guard your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life.”
This also includes guarding your mind.
This means what you watch, what you listen to, what you think, has a major impact on your heart. Practice “censoring” what you are taking in.
I stopped watching secular movies and shows and listening to secular music, there were too many triggers to lead me down the wrong mindset.
Journal
journaling is a great way to write out your thoughts and your feelings and just pour it out on paper. I like to also add my thanksgiving to the Lord to remind myself who is really in control.
Work On What You Love
What do you love to do and enjoy doing?
Hiking?
Painting?
Cooking/baking?
As long as they don’t lead you down a sinful path – do what you love!
And if you wonder whether or not what you love is wholesome and pleasing to the Lord, ask the Holy Spirit, He will direct you.
I love reading books and cross stitching! When my storm started, I stopped doing those things because those were quiet activities and before knowing Christ I could not stand quiet. Quiet meant I was alone with my thoughts and my thoughts weren’t good.
Once God gave me His peace and I learned to lean on Him, was I able to go back to my hobbies, those things that I enjoyed doing.
Work On Your Body:
This includes exercise, taking walks outside, hiking, moving around
Experts say physical activity may help bump up the production of your brains feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins.
You can also:
Get a massage
Get a facial
If you are able, get a little pampered or you can even pamper yourself by purchasing some facemasks
And I don’t know about you but I also love clothes and makeup! It makes me feel better when I like the way I look.
Not only is exercise a good mood booster but it also keeps your body healthy and possibly even fit!
5 Tips For Spiritual Self Care While Standing In The Gap
These tips were probably not what you expected when you read “spiritual self care” however they do work and not only do they work but you are also improving other areas of your life along with it and not just your spirituality!
Other posts that may interest you:
Leave a Reply