Becoming A Stronger You in self-love and Spritual Growth: Nurturing a Healthy Relationship with Self and God
Discover three profound strategies to heal from brokenness and cultivate a deeper
connection with yourself and God.
3 best strategies for "Self-Love and Spiritual Growth"
In life's journey, cultivating a profound and personal relationship with ourselves and God is a cornerstone of self-improvement, spiritual growth, and healing. Often, we find ourselves dedicating significant effort to impress and please others, striving to gain the approval and acceptance of family and friends. Yet, amidst these endeavors to foster external solid relationships, we tend to overlook our most fundamental relationship—the one we share with ourselves.
How frequently do we pause for an honest conversation with our inner selves or with God? How much time do we truly invest in self-care and addressing our personal needs? Through this discourse, I present three simple yet profound steps to mend the fragments of our brokenness and reignite the flames of love within ourselves and with our Creator.
To encapsulate this journey, I turn to the timeless wisdom of the Bible, specifically in
Psalm 139:14 which reminds us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made."
These words resonate deeply, emphasizing the divine artistry inherent in our existence. They encourage us to embrace our imperfections and recognize that we are intricately crafted beings deserving of self-compassion and self-love. In embarking on this transformative path of self-discovery, we honor ourselves and our relationship with God. So, let us embark on this quest that beckons us toward self-discovery, self-love, and faith, all of which will fortify our connection with God, Our Father.
The Revelation of Wisdom
Proverbs 19:8 (AMP) - "He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper."
This revelation of wisdom transformed my life and is a pattern I practice when life comes at me too fast; I am overwhelmed and feel the need to rest.
In a season marked by loneliness, self-doubt, and a deep sense of brokenness, my quest for resolution, love, and acceptance led me down a path of perpetual people-pleasing. I discovered that I tended to neglect my own desires to maintain harmony or out of fear of rejection. Whether it was choosing date activities, deciding where to dine, or picking a movie, I often deferred to others, concealing my true self behind a facade. This pattern of behavior stemmed from a fear that if people—be they friends or potential partners—truly glimpsed the real me, they might not find me likable.
As a result, I found myself relinquishing my personal aspirations to accommodate the lifestyles, agendas, wants, and dreams of those around me. I followed this pattern because I wrestled with feelings of selfishness when prioritizing myself and God. Isn't that somewhat perplexing? While I excelled in serving and leading others, I failed as a leader when it came to myself. This extended to my relationship with God, as I unfairly held Him responsible for the disappointments, pain, and hurts inflicted upon me by others. I gradually realized that most of the pain I endured originated from self-inflicted wounds. I was the chief architect of my inner turmoil.
It wasn't until I mustered the courage to confront my true self and engage in introspection and prayer that I recognized my adeptness at selflessly showing up for others had come at the cost of showing up for myself. My relentless pursuit of external relationships left me bereft of a healthy connection with God and me. To embark on a transformative journey, I had to distance myself from the distractions of life, including social media and the opinions of others, and embark on a quest of self-discovery. This journey rekindled my sense of self and forged a more profound and intimate relationship with the Divine Nature of God.
This period of self-discovery occurred some decades ago, and although I have occasionally slipped back into the habit of self-sacrifice for the sake of others, I have come to appreciate the balance between serving others and caring for oneself. Amid my soul-searching, I distinctly recall God's gentle voice advising me not to become so consumed with serving Him and others that I neglect the crucial act of spending quality time with both me and Him. This was a revelation of profound significance.
Often, we become so engrossed in our service to God and humanity that we overlook the need to foster an intimate relationship with ourselves and the One who created us. In doing so, we expend ourselves tirelessly, ensuring everyone else's comfort while neglecting our own well-being. Ultimately, our time with God suffers the most as we squander our energy and time on everyone but the Creator, who should hold the most prominent place in our lives.
Isn't it a common aspect of our human nature to sometimes overlook or undervalue what truly matters in our pursuit of transient achievements? It's as if we become engrossed in striving for momentary things while inadvertently neglecting the profound importance of life's core.
James 4:14 (KJV) says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeared for a little time and then vanishes away."
Now, let me share three straightforward strategies I frequently employ to maintain a sense of self-love without guilt and to nurture the deep love for God that He rightfully deserves.
"Unlocking Relationship Success” with Yourself and God
1: Self-Reflection and Acceptance (Embrace Your Imperfections): To build a healthy relationship with oneself, we must first embrace our imperfections. Recognize that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, just as Psalm 139:14 reminds us. Self-reflection allows us to acknowledge and accept our flaws as part of our unique journey. By doing so, we open the door to self-compassion and self-love.
2: Nurturing Faith (Strengthening Your Spiritual Bond): A strong relationship with God requires nurturing faith and a deep spiritual connection. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Prayer and meditation become essential tools to communicate with God. Dedicate time daily to strengthen your spiritual bond, seeking guidance and solace in your relationship with God. Prioritize God and your moments with Him. Embrace the godly way of life throughout your day, extending beyond the confines of the church walls.
3: Self-Care and Love (Prioritizing Self-Care): Let's be honest; there's only one of you, and the truth is, none of us are irreplaceable; we all have substitutes. So, wearing yourself out isn't something to boast about. When you're no longer around, they might grieve briefly (perhaps for a week) but eventually find someone else to fill your shoes.
Therefore, Self-care is not selfish; it's a fundamental act of self-love. As 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Prioritize self-care by nourishing your body, mind, and soul. Engage in activities that bring you joy, practice gratitude, and surround yourself with positivity. Remember, by caring for yourself, you become better equipped to serve others and strengthen your connection with God.
Being a servant leader often makes it challenging to prioritize self-care. However, I'd like to point out that even Jesus recognized the importance of taking time for oneself. Frequently, He would blend into the crowd and slip away for moments of solitude with the Father. Jesus comprehended the significance of maintaining a robust relationship with God. Furthermore, He acknowledged the necessity of rest and rejuvenation to serve those God had entrusted to His care.
Consider these thought-provoking questions:
When was the last time you dedicated an uninterrupted hour to God?
During your time with the Father, did you struggle to focus solely on Him rather than the cares of life?
When did you last treat yourself to a leisurely meal or a day of pampering, disregarding time constraints and others' demands?
How often do you disconnect from your phone or social media notifications to relish solitary and sacred moments for yourself?
The answers to these questions may astonish you, yet they serve as a foundation for acknowledging that your relationship with both you and God might be strained.
Proverbs 19:8 (AMP) - "He who gains wisdom and good sense loves (preserves) his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good and prosper."
Building a healthy relationship with oneself and with God is an ongoing voyage. By embracing self-reflection, nurturing faith, and prioritizing self-care, you embark on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual advancement. Let these steps guide you towards forging a deeper connection with the Father and becoming a more resilient and fulfilled version of yourself.
Building a healthy relationship with yourself and God is an ongoing journey. By embracing self-reflection, nurturing faith, and prioritizing self-care, you embark on a path of self-improvement and spiritual growth. Let these strategies guide you towards a more profound connection with the divine and a stronger, more fulfilled version of yourself.
Personal Challenge
This week, I encourage you to contemplate the suggested steps and put forth a greater effort to restructure your days, giving more prominence to self-care and nurturing a deeper connection with God. Engage in meditation and capture your daily encounters with both God and yourself in your journal.
Now, From Here Go…enjoy your journey of self-discovery and a renewed relationship with yourself and our Father.
Go Deeper with a Book
If you haven't already, purchase my new books and my revised version of "Dealing With Fear. They will help you with your healing journey, self-discovery, and newfound relationship with God.
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