After David had finished talking with Saul, 
Jonathan became one in spirit with David,
and he loved him as himself.
~1 Samuel 18:1 NIV

This post was inspired by a Florida vacation with a 7-day Caribbean Cruise in the middle!!! {Insert PARTY sounds and cue the streamers}.

Our Christmas gift from Todd’s parents this year was, shall we say… a little over the top, thank you Jesus 🙂  Ma and Pa Stahl took Todd and I, along with his sister and brother-in-law for a dream vacation on an Oasis of The Seas cruise—God Bless ‘Em! Thankfully none of us were too sun-burnt at the point of sending this email.

So, why would I write about my cruise in a devotion?

I’m not trying to make you jealous if you didn’t get away from the snow. But trust me, I have a reason. You see, going on a cruise and only getting internet for a few hours one day to work while on the ship is a HUGE form of self-care… something I haven’t been the best at.

I was brought up well to think of others but often, in the past, I would get mixed up thinking others needs were more important than mine.  This faulty mindset would leave me physically, emotionally and spiritually dry… like I’m talking dried up, dusty like the desert floor, all cracked and brown… and that’s no way to live!

The Bible Tells You To Be Good To Yourself

Our English language often falls short in translation from Hebrew and the word ‘love’ is one of those difficult to translate words since the Hebrew language has 3 words for love when the English language only has one¹. The Hebrew word used for “love” between David and Jonathan here is much different than the Hebrew root word for love used in much of The Songs of Solomon to describe a more sensual love.

The word love in this week’s verse is also used in GN 44:30 to describe love between a father and son² and then used in verse 16 of this same chapter to define the nation of Israel’s love for David as a war hero.

When I read today’s verse the ending hit me, “he loved him as himself”.  Jonathan loved David… but not more than he loved himself…

Therefore, Jonathan loved himself.

Those thoughts reminded me of Jesus words in Mark 12:31,

“Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Next, I thought about when Elijah was suffering burn-out and God didn’t scold or tell him to pull-up his boot-straps and get going.  No. God led Elijah in 1 Kings 19 to a few days of self-care or what I often call soul-care. I also thought about how Jesus took time away to recharge from the crowds. In the past two years, I’ve been growing in the understanding of the truth 3 John 1:2 teaches that we will only prosper, as our soul prospers and we’re in good health. You have to take care of your body, soul, (mind, will & emotions) and spirit.

Soul H₂O is a necessity!

Reading this devotion is hopefully one way you do that.  When I’m writing well, it should help refresh your spirit and parts of your soul but it’s not enough to build you up completely.  God created you: body, soul and spirit so you need to ensure you’re taking care of yourself in all areas.

Do You Take Time For Self-Care?

This week why not take the time to review your schedule.
Are you allowing enough time for self-care each week?

If you are, then pat yourself on the back and keep doing what you’re doing.  If you’re not; then change your ways 🙂 You don’t want to end up in breakdown mode as Elijah did!  God Wants you to be good to yourself, He’s given you permission and been the example… now be like Nike and Just Do It!

Prayer

Father… I’m so thankful for your love. It’s comforting to know, You don’t love me so You can get something out of me.  You love me for me. Wow! On some days, I really don’t understand why but help me to grow in this understanding of Your love, so I can better care for myself. Help me to be good to myself.  In Jesus Name…Amen

If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you’ll love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.