The journey and care of the Soul is vital to each of us as human beings. Our soul is the most important part of us and yet, because it is invisible, we tend to overlook its existence and its health. Left alone, it shrivels.
Each of us, individually, is responsible for the care of our own soul.
It is a given that it is the very nature of our soul to need, we must become intentional about meeting its needs. So over the next 4 weeks, we are moving into practical ways to care for our soul and it does require our time and attention, but all of our soul’s needs are met in God. My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2)
Here are a few aspects of soul care we will be looking at. It would be good to begin to put these into practice if you are not already doing so.
- Schedule a Time of Solitude
Have you ever noticed how many times it is recorded that Jesus “went away to a quiet place?” His need for solitude was so great that He even left the crowds and the work behind in order to observe it.
Solitude is the practice of intentionally unplugging, and it allows us to experience God as He restores our soul. Stepping away for lengthy periods of time serves to rid us of the deterioration of the soul that results from constant interaction. In this place of quiet communion, we rediscover our soul.
- Practice God’s Presence
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
Practicing the presence of God is about paying attention. Many of us, in fact, have allowed ourselves to get caught up in a way of life that does not set us up to pay attention to the presence of God. We must recognize this and intentionally set about to become ‘noticers’—abandoning ourselves to the presence of God and His working in our lives. We must learn to live with an ongoing awareness of the living, active, Holy God who has chosen to spend His days with us.
Ideas for Practicing His Presence:
Meditate on Scripture.
Memorize Scripture.
Sing songs of praise.
Enjoy giving your soul what it desperately needs.
