It's Okay to Not Feel Okay

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

I was tired of feeling like I had it all together. “I just need to be honest,” I said to a friend. “I am wiped out. Exhausted. I need a break.” My older and wiser friend gently responded, “It’s okay to not feel okay. But let’s not stay there.”

I didn’t want to stay there either. I had been running dangerously low on energy. Several project deadlines were looming. I hadn’t cleared my email inbox in weeks. Our kids were running in every different direction with school and sports. You name it. I had a good excuse for feeling the way I did.

I was feeling the painful effects of self-neglect. It sounds silly now, but I almost felt guilty at the thought of taking time for myself. I was not okay, but was it really okay to hit pause? Pull away and do something for myself ? 

The answer is yes! It is not only okay; it’s necessary to allow our- selves to be cared for. Renewed. Refreshed. God promises strength for the weary. Hope for the faint. It’s okay not to feel okay. But God doesn’t want us to stay there any more than we do. 

The truth is, we are of little value to others when we are running on empty. When we are trapped in a cycle of sacrifice and self-neglect, it is nearly impossible to love God and love others well. We are at our best when we are living and loving out of a place of health—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

If you are struggling with self-neglect, running on empty, and feeling like you’re at the end of your rope, don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Get alone with God. Get away with some friends. Take time to do what energizes you most. Call a time-out! Ask for help. Whatever it takes, take some time just for you. When you do, you are in a far better place to love God and love others. 

Let’s pray together:

Father, You alone satisfy my soul. Your Word comforts me, and Your Spirit empowers me. In the places where I am weak and weary, give me renewed energy. Give me wisdom to know my limits. Teach me to rest in You and find time to allow You to love me, refill me, and teach me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Today, I extend an invitation for you to join me in carving out a few moments of your day to find the peace your soul longs for through these 100 encouraging devotions. And I am certain you know someone who desperately needs a settled soul as well. Would you share this with them? This devotional for women includes applicable scripture, guided prayers, and journaling space for reflection. If we will just press pause for a few minutes each day, we can discover what we so desperately long for: a settled soul. 

 I am thrilled to introduce Settle My Soul to you! You can grab your copy on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com and anywhere books are sold.

XO,

Ruth Schwenk