Back in the late 2000s, when I was in youth group, our youth band had a little chorus that we often sang: “May we decrease so that you may increase.” 

Even now, I find myself singing those words to myself often when I am cooking, cleaning, working, or at rest– just going about my business. The melody is just one of those things that bubbles up often in my heart in worship to the Lord. It’s simple and short, but it’s a much needed reminder to my heart in allowing Jesus to be in control, to be at the front and center in my life, and that my desires, dreams, and will must not only conform to be pleasing unto the Lord, but they also must step out of the way if they are not in line with God’s desires, dreams, and will.

This quarantine has added a lot more free time to most people’s daily life. Many have used it to start Tik-Tok accounts, start a new Netflix series, or maybe some have even learned how to cook. Whatever the case may be for you, you’ve probably added more ‘self-care’ into your routine. Whether it be taking luxurious baths, trying out new skincare products, or reading books that you’ve had on your shelf for months just waiting to be cracked open; you have probably been focusing on caring for yourself as much as possible during this uncertain time. While all of those things are great– and probably extremely necessary for your mental health right now– there’s one thing that I just want to encourage you guys in today: spiritual self-care.