I was speaking to my counsellor yesterday and I commented that something had, “Left marks on my soul”.
Our soul is made up of different parts – our mind, will and emotions, and its impacted by what’s going on in and around us. Yet so often we put all our time and energy into the practicalities of life and neglect nourishing the integral part of what makes us who we are.
Taking care of our soul doesn’t mean we neglect our studies, career, finances or keeping fit and healthy on the outside – our soul is centered in all of those things too. It’s just that we also recognise there are deeper parts to us that need our attention that have nothing to do with performance, expectations or the visible trappings of our outer life.
It simply means asking ourselves what imprint is being left by what I am touching, seeing and hearing and choosing to spend some time taking care of and protecting the integral part of what makes us who we are.
All of creation carries the fingerprints of God’s hand and heart and when we look we’ll see Him all around us. It’s these amazing parts of our everyday life that I believe God wants to use to leave beautiful and positive marks on our soul. That our life would reflect Him and everything that is good. That we would know that, “all is well with our souls”.
However there are also other forces at work which desire to leave negative imprints on our soul. We know these marks are there by how we react to people and places, and in the way we behave that is contrary to the way we really want to, or how God directs us in His Word.
The salvation of our souls isn’t merely about our final destination. Salvation also means healing and deliverance at the deepest level of who we are. When we allow God to work in us as we spend time in His presence and Word, He promises that He will restore and refresh our souls. He becomes the one who leaves marks on our soul.
“The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)
We are a reflection of the markings on our soul, and everyday we have the opportunity to fill them up with God and the good things He has made for us to experience. As we do we have opportunity to leave a positive imprint on other people’s lives too.
Today take some time to talk to God and to examine what marks are on your soul. Are there signs of things that are not from Him that are causing you to react to life in a negative and fearful way? If so be encouraged, for God promises that as we regularly spend time with Him He will refresh, restore and heal our souls. (Psalm 19:7)
What is marking your soul, and what imprints are you leaving on others today?
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 1:2)
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm:62:1)
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phillipians 4:8)
Prayer: Lord please help be to be aware of the marks on my soul and to take the time to be healed and refreshed in your presence. I want to fill up on those things that bring life and which will impact others in a positive way. Would you please help me to be aware of every area of life and how and what is marking my soul today. In Jesus name Amen.
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