Have you ever found yourself standing at the back of your own line?
It sounds strange, doesn’t it? But maybe, like me, you’ve spent so much time showing up for everyone else—meeting their needs, supporting their dreams, wiping their tears—that you’ve forgotten what it feels like to show up for you. And on the rare occasion you do? Guilt tries to creep in like a shadow, whispering, “You’re being selfish.”
Let me tell you what a wise friend once told me: “Every time you place others in front of you, without ever caring for yourself, you’re pushing yourself further behind in your own line.”
That hit me hard. Because truthfully—when was the last time someone asked you how you’re doing? When was the last time someone checked in on you without needing anything in return? It’s not that we serve to be seen, or love to be praised. But let’s be honest—kindness, when given back, can refresh a tired soul.
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”— Matthew 11:28
Too many of us are walking around emotionally drained, spiritually dry, and silently battling burdens no one sees. You give and give, until your cups runs dry, and there’s nothing left to pour. And still, you hesitate to take time for yourself, afraid that choosing you will make you look ungrateful or weak. But let me say this in love and truth: You are not weak for needing rest. You are not selfish for needing care. And you are not wrong for choosing you.
God has placed a divine calling on your life—a purpose uniquely yours. Yes, helping others matters. Yes, showing up for people is beautiful. But not at the expense of your own soul. How can you pour living water into others when your own well is dry?
There’s a line in a movie I once watched—Morris Chestnut was sitting outside, and someone asked him a question that stopped me cold: “You take care of everyone... but who’s taking care of you?”
I couldn’t answer that at the time. I looked for that answer in people, in accomplishments, in approval—but it wasn’t until God called me to Himself that I understood. He showed me that the care I longed for wasn’t found in others—it was found in Him. He reminded me that He is the One who fills the void, heals the heart, and strengthens the weary.
“The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.”— Isaiah 58:11
Even Jesus—perfect, sinless, all-powerful—faced this. People came to Him constantly. For healing. For help. For miracles. But how many came just to sit with Him, to care for Him, to ask how He was? In His darkest hour, even His closest followers scattered. And yet—He didn’t fall apart. He went to the Father. His strength wasn’t in the crowd—it was in His connection.
And for those of you reading this, that’s your strength too.
Maybe your mission right now is drawing closer to God. Maybe it’s starting the business He placed on your heart, returning to school, leaving that relationship that no longer honors Him—or simply learning to rest without guilt. Whatever it is, don’t let shame, fear, or people-pleasing keep you from moving forward.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”— Hebrews 12:1
Saying yes to God doesn’t mean the road will be easy. It just means it’ll be worth it. You may still face challenges—but you’ll face them with clarity. With peace. With power. Because you're no longer running on empty.
Today, I encourage you to choose you. Not from a place of pride, but from a place of obedience. Your body, your heart, your spirit—it all belongs to God. Taking care of yourself is a responsibility. It honors the God who made you.
So pause. Breathe. Let go of the guilt. Say yes to the healing. Say yes to the calling. Say yes to rest, renewal, and redemption.
Because you matter. And you are not forgotten.
“You are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do.”— Ephesians 2:10
Pray With Me
Father God,
Thank You for seeing me when I feel invisible. For reminding me that I am allowed to rest, to be restored, and to walk in purpose without guilt. Help me release every burden I was never meant to carry. Teach me to say yes to the things You’ve called me to, even when it means saying no to everyone else. I trust You to care for me as I learn to care for myself in a way that honors You. I surrender the guilt, the fear, and the pressure. Help me walk forward in grace, peace, and freedom.In Jesus’ name, Amen.
