The American media is saturated with stories about our physical health. Nearly every news broadcast runs a story about new research that pertains to a disease, or diet and exercise. That’s not a bad thing. We’ve only got one body, and it’s important to take good care of ourselves.
But when is the last time you read an article or watched a news story that addressed soul care? We can diet and exercise ourselves into peak physical condition, but if we are experiencing soul fatigue, we will be among the most miserable people on the planet. In my life, I’ve noticed a direct correlation between my quality of life and soul care. Frankly, I don’t do well without it.
In his book, Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You, John Ortberg writes, “The soul was not made to run on empty. But the soul doesn’t come with a gauge. The indicators of soul-fatigue are more subtle: Things seem to bother you more than they should. Your spouse’s gum-chewing suddenly reveals a massive character flaw. It’s hard to make up your mind about a simple decision. Impulses to eat or drink or spend or crave are harder to resist than they otherwise would be. You are more likely to favor short-term gains in ways that leave you with high long-term costs.”
If we ignore soul care, we do so at our own peril. As Christians, the primary way we engage in soul care is through the spiritual disciplines. Bible study, prayer, Scripture memory, and fasting are means of grace that place us in a posture to receive soul care. The Bible provides ample evidence of this truth. There are countless examples in Scripture, but here are just a few:
- “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” Psalm 19:7a
- “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.” Psalm 119:129
- “I have stored up your word in my heart; that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
- “Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” Psalm 119:24
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7
It’s impossible to live with spiritual vitality apart from engaging in soul care. Keep in mind the spiritual disciplines aren’t avenues to earn God’s favor. As Christians, we already rest in God’s favor because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. God doesn’t love us more when we read our Bibles and pray, and He doesn’t love us less when we don’t. Rather, the spiritual disciplines position us to fellowship with God in a way that refills our soul.
In one of Jesus’ last conversations with His disciples before going to the cross, He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Let’s take Him at His Word, shall we?
