Rest For My Soul

The Genesis account of creation details God creating a body out of dust of earth, and then breathing into the body the breath of life. When the breath of life flowed into Adam’s body, he became a “living soul.” The soul is the integration of the outer physical man and the inner man. When the outer person is hurting, the inner person hurts too. When the inner person is hurting, the outer person often experiences the effects of the inner turmoil. King David described the connection between the inner person and the body. “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.” Psalms 32:3-4 (NLT) David was experiencing physical effects because of unconfessed sin. The connection between the body and the inner person is undeniable and unbreakable. No one can escape the cause-and-effect connection. Undealt with anger produces stress. Stress produces physical consequences like hypertension, insomnia, and digestive issues. Hypertension, insomnia and digestive problems affect a persons’s emotions, ability to process information and make healthy decisions. Physical struggles impact a person psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. David again described the soul, the connection of the body, and inner person. “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Psalms 32:5 (NLT) Jesus is an expert at restoring the soul. David declared in Psalm 23, “He restores my soul.” Jesus said, “Come to Him … he will give you ‘rest for your souls.’” Jesus cares about your soul. He wants you to have a healthy soul. Keep turning to Jesus.

The All-Sufficient One

The Hebrew names of God reveal significant character attributes of God and how God works. The insights learned from considering the names of God feed and strengthen the soul. God revealed himself to Abraham when he was 99 years old, saying, “I am El Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’” (Genesis 17:1 NLT) When God revealed himself as “El Shaddai” he promised Abraham he would be the father of nations. Abraham would be extremely fruitful. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. The Old Testament writers used the name El-Shaddai 48 times. El-Shaddai reveals God as “the All-Sufficient One.” God is sufficient to meet any need a person experiences. God provides, protects, guides, disciplines, heals, stabilizes, and anchors. Jesus’ brother James wrote, “God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens, … never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17 (NLT) God never changes AND HE is bigger than any problem, challenge, or need. The great Jewish prophet Jeremiah prayed, “O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) Nothing is beyond God’s ability. Nothing is beyond God’s care. God is more! Psalm 91 records Moses’ words about El-Shaddai: “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 (NLT) Moses declared, “He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalms 91:2 (NLT) Living in the shelter of the Most High brings peace! Even amid stress, strain, and struggles, God can breathe peace upon you. El-Shaddai actually uses stress, strain and struggles to strengthen those who are resting “in the shadow of the Almighty.” My PRAYER for you. “El-Shaddai, God-Almighty. Reveal your power, your love, and your care to every person who reads these words. Heal, set-free, strengthen, encourage, lead, provide, guide, discipline, and give peace. El-Shaddai, nothing is too difficult for you. Help us and teach us to surrender to you, El-Shaddai. AMEN.”

Find Peace

I have been thinking about a statement by Corrie ten Boom, a Nazi concentration camp survivor, that is pertinent to what we are currently going through. I hope that her statement will encourage you and give you a needed nudge in the direction of Jesus.

“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.” Corrie ten Boom

The 24-hour, minute-to-minute, news cycle makes it hard to not look at the world. Just going to the grocery store and seeing everyone waiting in lines to get into the store, wearing masks, and avoiding each other is enough to cause distress.

“Sheltering in”, not interacting with people you work with, play with or share life with can lead to depression and loneliness. Especially for those who live alone!

Twenty-seven hundred years ago, the prophet Isaiah wrote of peace that comes from focusing on Jesus. He wrote: “You, LORD, give true peace to those who depend on you, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NCV)

Push away the view of what is happening in the world, push away the view from the inside, look to the Lord, depend on him, put your trust in Him and peace, “true peace” will be yours.

Jesus, teach us to depend on you and trust you! AMEN