Just Breathe

Posted on October 16, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”  Matthew 6: 33

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

If you have ever traveled by plane, you have heard the instructions of what to do in case of an emergency. If you often fly, these instructions might go in one ear and out the other. In case of an emergency, it is advised that you place your oxygen mask on yourself before trying to help others. Why? Because if you don’t, you will be the one in need of help and you will not be any good to anyone else.

It is hard as Christian women to take care of ourselves first. The kids need us, the husband needs us, the friend needs us, our boss needs us. Stop! Maybe you need to breathe for a while before you can help someone else. We think it is selfish to say no, to not serve, to put ourselves first. It sounds so unbiblical and foreign to us. But is it? We are exhorted to take care of our bodies, to rest, and by example, even Jesus said no. He didn’t do it all. Why then do you and I carry the burden of doing it all?

In my own experience, there have been times I have found myself doing things that I never prayed about. I just thought I should. I have found myself doing things that, had I not, would have allowed someone else to be a blessing. I have said yes out of duty or obligation but not always because it was the right thing to do. I do this when I forget to seek His kingdom first. I’m not praying it through. I’m weighed down by the expectations of others instead of what God would want of me. This happens when my priorities get out of whack. I end up missing out on the best while doing the good.

Today you and I may need to breathe. Go ahead and take a deep breath, take the day off from running around, take a break from trying to be everybody’s everything. Breathe!

Blessings,
Kathy

Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local church and teaches a Bible study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.

The Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 9-10 | You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “We are blessed to have one day a week for rest and relaxation.” – Crystal McDowell

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Lamentations 3:21

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