“My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you . . .”- Psalm 42:6
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love . . . for to you I entrust my life (lift up my soul).”- Psalm 143:8
John Ortberg concludes Chapter 8 of Soul Keeping by stating that in the process of reaching out to God, we are lifting our souls up to Him to be healed. When our soul is centered in God, we know in faith that our heavenly Father will hold our pain, fear, and anxiety. Pastor Ortberg defines the spiritual life:
“To place the soul each moment in the presence and care of God.”
John emphasizes that it is much harder than it seems to keep our souls centered on God. He adds that a very simple way to guard our souls is to ask ourselves: “Will this situation block my soul’s connection to God?” When we ask ourselves this question, we’ll find how little power external circumstances like a ministry downsizing or vocation loss or financial problems have over us. We will come to the realization that external circumstances cannot keep us from being with God. If anything, they will draw us closer to Him.
Unless God is part of the equation- that is, our thinking takes Him into account- our soul loses its connection to God.
Today’s question: What Bible verses have helped keep your soul centered on God during your desert, transitional time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The soul needs a future”
