I frequently have a conversation with people about the importance of prospering their souls. It’s really important to understand how our soul, body and spirit operate together.
The bible says we are a living soul, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). However we must be careful not to confuse that which is truly spiritual, and that which is only soulish or physical. Our spirit is the central place of activity where the God operates in restoring and renewing which then flows over into our souls and bodies.
However we often try to compartmentalise our lives, not understanding that what we allow into our lives will actually affect every part of our being – our soul, physical body and our spirit. Which is why we must feed and care for all of our being, and not just part of it. We can be physically fit, eat healthy, do fun things and yet be spiritually lacking and dead. Or we can be spiritually fit and healthy and be lacking emotionally or be physically unwell.
The bible says, “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)
Our spirit’s are regenerated and renewed by God’s presence and life in us; our bodies by eating and exercising well, and putting in the truth of God’s word which it responds to. But what about our souls?
I have discovered that we often don’t really know what makes our soul happy, often because we allow ourselves to just get too busy. And if we do know, we don’t do those things enough.
A relationship will God will prosper your soul and He actually wants us to go out and enjoy our life with Him.
Matthew 12:34 says, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. If we only concentrate on the necessary to exist, our souls will not be prospering and our heart will not be full of good things. Instead we can end up cynical, tired, short tempered, having toxic speech and being disillusioned with life. Which is why God says take time to prosper your soul everyday and to do those things we enjoy; which energise us, and bring joy to our hearts. Because as our soul prospers it will bring us good health, renewed energy, and a zeal for life. Plus our mouth will speak from the overflow of a heart that is full of an appreciation for the life we have been given.
Today make a list of those things that make your soul happy. If you can’t think of anything, why not try something new. It doesn’t have to be a big things; it could be simple like a cup of coffee at your favourite cafe, enjoying some great scenery, good food and company, a sport, hobby, music, art, shopping, etc. The key is to explore, discover and surround yourself with all the goodness, beauty and things that trigger joy in your life.
Prayer: Lord please help me to understand myself better and how to prosper my soul. Reveal to me anything that is not right in my heart, and help me to deal with it. In Jesus name Amen.
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