The week of Thanksgiving had arrived. I headed to the basement and opened my chest freezer, an item purchased pretty soon after arrival in our host country when we realized that the shoebox-sized freezer attached to the main refrigerator probably would not be enough. Surveying the various cold, wrapped shapes, searching for what needed to be pulled out, I realized that the majority of the freezer’s contents could be categorized as “dessert”: various ice cream flavors, sugar cookies waiting to be decorated, birthday cake I’d made to get ahead for the two-birthdays-plus-Thanksgiving week. Sure, there was a package of frozen green beans and some blueberries buried somewhere in the deep abyss, but what met the eyes upon opening the freezer were sugary treats. 

Of course storing extra sweets in one’s freezer is perfectly fine! But as I reflected on the frozen contents, I pondered the analogy between my freezer and my heart. Have I stored up God’s Word in my heart, taking time to fill my soul with truly nourishing spiritual food, or do I too often settle for a spiritual quick fix or “sugary treat” that brings instant gratification to my emotions or schedule but really does not provide much sustenance in the long run? 

Filling our hearts and minds with God’s Word is the ultimate self-care. I’m not arguing against taking walks, meeting friends for coffee, getting a manicure, or signing up for an art class. These (and many other) earthly self-care opportunities can be good and helpful ways to give ourselves a needed break from work or ministry, to recharge our proverbial batteries, to take care of our physical bodies and minds. But if we make time for these activities but fail to make time to spend in God’s Word, soaking up the richness contained therein, we’re neglecting the most important, most effective, and longest-lasting self-care strategy. Reading our Bibles may not always make us feel better in the moment (though sometimes it will!), but we can be sure that our souls will be nourished with spiritual food that lasts. Storing up the treasures of God’s Word is infinitely better than the “dessert” of this world.