The soul is the most overlooked
aspect of our Christian life. Prior to salvation, we allowed our heart to
advise us, control us and comfort us. This does not refer to our blood pumping
organ, but our inner self of thoughts, choices and emotions - our soul (Proverbs 4:23, 15:13, 23:7; Matthew 12:34-35). This way of life is weak, at best, but all we had.
When we come to Christ, our
spirit is Born Again, and we begin the adventure of living in and by the Spirit
of God (Galatians 5:16-25). This is when we start to mistrust our soul, and
rightfully so. However, we also ignore the needs of our soul, thinking that
they are carnal and unholy. Some of our soul's demands are unrighteous idols,
which we lay at the altar for sacrifice (Romans
8:6-7; 1 Corinthians 3:3).
Yet, many of our soul's desires
are given to us by God, and He wants to supply them through His glorious riches
(Philippians 4:19; Ephesians 3:16). We can nurture our soul by listening to praise songs,
reading God's Word, learning a new hobby, taking college courses that interest
us, making new Christian friends, planting a garden, exercising to trim down
and raise endorphins, serving in the ministries of our church, planning a
healthy snack to look forward to every day, joining Bible study classes, etc.
The most powerful way to
nurture our soul, however, is to be a friend of God. It takes time to develop
this relationship, but it is so nourishing to our body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Slow down and spend time alone with God. You will focus
on the wholesome side of life, find peace and joy in the midst of negative
circumstances and feel God's presence in each moment of the day.
Prayer:
Father God, Satan has his
agenda for our life, and we merrily follow his lead until we come face to face
with Your invitation to accept Jesus as our Savior. Satan's deception is no
match for Your presence in our life. He fades into the background and loses the
battles he wages for our soul. Your Spirit nurtures our body, soul and spirit
as we follow Your direction for each new day. We love You and give You all the
praise and glory for Your wondrous intervention in our life.
Thought for the Day:
God's Spirit transforms our soul into the image of Christ
throughout every moment of our life. - 2 Corinthians 3:18
