Sacred Self-Care: Caring for the Body God Gave You

There’s something deeply spiritual about pausing long enough to care for yourself — not out of vanity, but out of reverence. Your body is a temple, handcrafted by God with love and purpose.

My husband and I recently had our annual physicals, and I’ll be honest — we were a little nervous about what our labs would reveal. (All is well🙌🏽) Our eating habits had slipped since moving back to our hometown, and we knew we needed to do better. But instead of guilt, I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit — a gentle reminder that sacred self-care isn’t about perfection; it’s about partnership with God.

Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

That verse hit differently this time. It’s not just about avoiding sin — it’s about stewardship. Caring for your body is worship.

For me, sacred self-care looks like slowing down and listening to what my body needs. It’s the deep breath before the day starts. It’s walking two miles while whispering prayers. It’s keeping water beside my bed to hydrate through the night. It’s eating mindfully — and giving myself grace when I don’t.

Sometimes sacred self-care also looks like giving your body permission to rest in the hands of others. That might mean scheduling a facial, massage, or even just a quiet moment of stillness away from your usual routine.

If you’re local, I can’t recommend Ivy Spa and Wellness enough. It’s a peaceful space that reminds you how healing it can be to pause and be cared for. From soothing massages to personalized wellness treatments, it’s more than self-care — it’s soul care. Because the truth is, your body deserves intentional care, not as a luxury, but as an act of stewardship.

So, if your spirit feels tired or your body feels stretched thin, pause. Take the walk. Drink the water. Book the massage. Whisper the prayer. Sacred self-care isn’t indulgence — it’s obedience. It’s saying to God, “I value what You made.”

💛 Reflection Prompts:

What does sacred self-care look like for you in this season?
In what ways do you feel God inviting you to slow down and care for your body?
What small act of self-kindness can you practice this week?

Take a moment to read and partake in one or many of the following “15 Self-Care Ideas for Any Day of the Year“.

Lisa Pope is the author of “Letters to the King,” a reflective prayer journal designed to help women and men grow in faith through honest conversations with God.

She’s currently writing her next book — an honest, faith-filled look at womanhood, hormones, and hope.