Caring for You
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 You have looked deep into my heart, , and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. 3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, 5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can't understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me. 7 Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? 8 If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. 9 Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. 10 Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. 11 Or suppose I said, “I'll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” 12 But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. 13 You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. 15 Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together out of human sight, 16 but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. 18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby. 19 How I wish that you would kill all cruel and heartless people and protect me from them! 20 They are always rebelling and speaking evil of you. 21 You know I hate anyone who hates you, , and refuses to obey. 22 They are my enemies too, and I truly hate them. 23 Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking. 24 Don't let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.
Psalm 139
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 You surely know that your body is a temple where the Holy Spirit lives. The Spirit is in you and is a gift from God. You are no longer your own. 20 God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.
How do you show that you care for others? Maybe you draw pictures for your mom. Maybe you help your little sister remember to wash her hands after school. Maybe you take your dog outside for some fresh air. Did you know that along with caring for others, God wants us to care for ourselves too?
Back in the beginning, God created people in his own image, and he called it “good.” We, as humans, are created in the image of God. What does that mean? It means that we are like God and can even have a personal relationship with him. God designed you in a unique way and has a special plan for your life. But he also wants you to take care of yourself so you can love God and love others. We can practice self-care by spending time enjoying God’s creation, enjoying sports and activities, eating healthy foods, finding creative outlets like drawing and journaling, taking time to read our Bibles and talk to God, and getting plenty of rest.
It makes God happy when you treat your body with respect and care; just like you would treat a special, holy temple. After all, God knit you together and has a unique plan for your life. God gave you a caring heart, a thoughtful mind, and hands that can help others. He designed you with all of the wonderful little quirks that make you “you”! Remember that God made you and loves you; he cares for you and wants you to care for yourself. Then, you’ll be ready to care for others!
Prayer
Dear God, I am wonderfully made by you. Thank you for your never-ending love that lasts forever. Help me to take care of myself so I can care for others like Jesus. Amen.Related Resources
Areo Keller-Donahue
As soon as Areo could pick up a popsicle stick, she was making puppets and putting on plays that shared her faith with her neighbors. Areo grew up with a strong interest in musical theatre and earned her BFA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Areo was led to use artistic gifts to share the gospel with young ones, and she became involved in ministry. She has worked in children's ministry at Redeemer Upper West Side and North Way Christian Community and is currently developing a musical live-action series that celebrates faith and fun. Areo and her husband live in Pittsburgh, where they enjoy spending time with their families and adorable cat, Daisy.