Soul
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. ~ Psalm 107:8-9
“I did not know then what I would learn over many years—that he was a healer of souls.” John reflected upon his first visit with Dallas Willard. He later asked his mentor, “What do I need to do in order to stay spiritually healthy?” Dallas responded with the unexpected. “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
Are you in a hurry today?
And, if so, what gets “left behind” as you zoom past people? What is neglected in order to attend to the most pressing need? Your soul?
“Someone starts talking about things like grace and rest and peace, and the soul feeling its worth, and that language feels so foreign and so beautiful, like water in a desert, like one bright bud pushing up in an otherwise arid landscape. And like a song you used to love but haven’t heard for years, something breaks through: that’s what I’ve been missing. That’s it. My soul.” (Shauna Niequist)
When we are hurried, it is because we are more preoccupied with doing than with being. Let’s face it: all of us are busy. But when our busyness squeezes God completely out of our lives (or relegates Him to leftovers),then our inner condition becomes hurried. Our souls are empty, longing to be filled “with good things.”
And one of the first things to go when our souls are weary is gratitude. Who has time to count our blessings when we are counting minutes? If we slow down long enough to notice the many ordinary grace gifts right in front of us, our souls are nourished by that recognition.
The Hebrew word for gratitude is hikarat hatov, which means literally ‘recognizing the good.’ That’s what sustains your soul. That’s what lifts you beyond yourself and into God’s presence. Will you thank God today for satisfying your soul?
First, you must make space for this to happen! The psalmist knew that “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:3
Slow down. Receive grace, peace, and restoration deep into your soul.
BENEDICTION: My child, are you taking care of your soul? Since it is the source of your strength and devotion, perhaps it is time to make soul care a priority. Draw near to Me in silence and seeking. I will meet you whenever and however you come. Just come.
Every Blessing, Lucinda
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity and Strength”
©2022 Lucinda Secrest McDowell www.LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 16 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” , “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most,” “God’s Purpose for You,” and “The Courage to Write.” (Purchasing my books here benefits me as an Amazon associate.) She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouraging words weekly at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
Want to read all of the “Grace & Gratitude Summer Blogs”? Click HERE to read as each one goes live. These 14 weeks of blogs — adapted from Lucinda’s award-winning book “Ordinary Graces” — come out each Wednesday morning June 1st through August 31st. Thanks for reading. Click HERE to add your email to get blogs weekly in your in box.
I love the Hebrew word for gratitude. I will remember that. Thanks, as always, for all you do to feed my soul as well as those of countless others.
It’s true… the first thing to go when one’s weary… GRATITUDE—which is the very place God longs to dwell… in the PRAISES of His people! I’d say gratitude expressed in praise is right where I need to be in those weary lands. Thanks for the reminder!
Once again, this is just what I needed to hear today! Thank you!
Thank you for that word. Very refreshing!
Yes, I needed this, Cindy. Thank you so much.
This post is a beautiful reminder of the rest God provides. Thank you.