(I have told everyone that I would continue to do devotionals until “my barrel was empty.” To be honest, lately that is what has happened. Recently, it has been Abigail who has had devotionals on her heart, and that thrills me. I will continue to post her thoughts as God gives her something in her barrel. This one is from her. Enjoy:)

In an age racked with depression, anxiety, and little self-worth, authors, speakers, counselors, therapists, and a slew of others have tried to find a solution to the need.

Especially in the past couple of years, I have noticed an explosion of what’s called “self-care” or “self-love.” Our independent, individualistic culture has inhaled it hook, line, and sinker. 

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrases.

I am worthy.

I take time for myself.

I am beautiful.

I am amazing.

I deserve better.

I follow my heart.

I am true to myself.

I love myself.

I am my own boss.

I can do anything.

I am everything.

I am capable.

I am strong.

I believe in myself.

I trust myself.

I am enough.

Adrain Michael stated, “When you focus on yourself and love yourself, some relationships have to go.” (Mind you, this was stated as a positive thing.)

I must admit that “self-care” sounds more like self-centeredness. Where all your energy, time, and love is focused on…yourself. There would be those who say this is the only way to have happiness.

But friends, that is the very definition of idolatry. All the energy, time, and love that is rightfully God’s, you’ve given to yourself. And while our culture would beg to differ that this is perfectly okay, God has already said otherwise. Paul warned Timothy of perilous times when people would be “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (II Tim. 3:2-5).

You can feel you are a good person. But if your life revolves around you…what you want, your opinions, your interests, your plans, your dreams, and your way, friend, you are still on the throne of your heart.

How do you expect to one day crown Him King of kings and Lord of lords when you won’t let Him rule right now?

I’m glad for the day I realized I was in no shape to control my own life. I was in no shape to know which way to go. I not only gave Him the throne, I gave Him complete right-of-way in my life. To focus on your problems and insecurities will only continue the cycle of brokenness. But if you can get your eyes off yourself and on to God, you will be amazed of what He can and will do for you. Because the truth is…

I am unworthy, but His love is great.

I want Him to take time.

He is beautiful.

He is amazing.

I deserve hell and ruin, but His mercies are everlasting.

I want to follow His path and precepts.

May I be true Him.

I love Him because He first loved me.

He’s the boss.

I can do nothing, but He has no limits.

I am nothing, but He is everything.

I am incapable, but His arm’s not shortened nor is His ear deaf.

I am weak, but He is strong.

I believe in Jesus.

I trust Christ.

He has been and is and will be always enough.

I thought number one would surely be me,

I thought I could be what I wanted to be,

I thought I could build on life’s sinking sand,

but I can’t even walk without you holding my hand

I thought I had done a lot on my own,

I thought I could make it all alone,

I thought of myself as a mighty big man,

but I can’t even walk without you holding my hand.

I can’t even walk without you holding my hand,

the mountain’s too high and the valley’s too wide,

down on my knees I’ve learned to stand,

because I can’t even walk without you holding my hand.

I think that I’ll make Jesus my one and all,

from now on when I’m in trouble only his name I’ll call,

if I can’t trust in him I’d be less than a man,

because I can’t even walk without you holding my hand.

(Colbert & Joyce Croft, 1975)