I’m joining Bonnie Gray (The Faith Barista) to discuss the topic: FEEDING YOUR SOUL. Since I haven’t been able to read other blogs for the past month or so, I have no idea what Bonnie has been sharing about feeding the soul. I know she has a few posts about this — so my direction may be out in left field. All she asks is that we keep it real …
Here we go …
Bonnie’s subject made me immediately think of those books we all see in the Christian bookstores, “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” That sounds so warm and fuzzy, but in my case I think of my soul as: MY MIND, MY WILL, AND MY EMOTIONS.
I have been taught this for years, so the thought of feeding my soul often makes me think of feeding my FLESH. My mind, and my will, and my emotions can be deceptive and are often at war with the Spirit. My thoughts are not God’s thoughts and my ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8). Just like Paul confessed in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Sin working within our bodies.) That is me so many times.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have a SPIRIT, a SOUL, and a BODY. Sandra Kennedy teaches that our soul is a filter. She gave us an example of our soul standing between our spirit and body — acting as a FILTER!
The things in your soul (mind, will, and emotions) act as a filter between your body and spirit. Isn’t that interesting? Where do wounds reside? Our souls. That means what enters, must go through our soul before it reaches our spirit. Our information — our perceptions are filtered through the place where wounds and longings may reside.
Do a search on Biblegateway.com on the word “soul” and see how many times people confess the woundedness of their souls.
Genesis 34:3 – But his soul longed …
Genesis 34:8 – The soul of my son Shechem craves your daughter…
Leviticus 26:30 – My soul shall abhor you…
1 Samuel 1:10 – And [Hannah] was in distress of soul …
1 Samuel 30:6- … souls of them all were bitterly grieved …
Job 10:1- I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
Job 15:35- They conceive mischief and bring forth iniquity, and their inmost soul hatches deceit.
Those were just a few examples.
We need healthy souls.
Do I want to feed my soul? NO.
I want to be transformed by RENEWING my mind (part of my soul) with God’s Word. The change that needs to take place in my life comes from the inside out.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.
I agree with King David …
Psalm 103:1-5
Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all His benefits—
Who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
If you would like to read other perspectives about the subject “Feeding Your Soul,” click on the button below.
Have a blessed Thursday everyone!
That’s one way to look at Bonnie’s topic. We should open our souls to be transformed.
It’s good to have varying perspectives, Beth. I appreciate what you’re sharing. I definitely want to renew my mind daily with God’s Truths.
Hope things are going well with you! I’m sure this season is keeping you busy.
I love your take on feeding our souls Beth! I think of my soul as my mind, will and emotions. And yes, that’s my flesh which all too often gets in the way of how I desire to walk spiritually. What we feed our souls is so very important so we can live out our faith walk.
blessings and love,
Debbie
I used the same Scripture passage but my post showed how God fed my soul this past weekend. And indeed, He did feed my will and my emotions–filling me with joy in the presence of my family, gratefulness for answered prayer, and awe for His gifts through His creation.
Yet, your point is well taken. Too often, we let our mind, emotions, and will control our spiritual walk. Our hearts need to be in tune with God’s heart and His word.
Blessings,
Janis
Hmmm..interesting perspective on this subject. I don’t think I’ve heard it put that way. But true. I want to be transformed by the renewing on my mind too. The mind can be a powerful thing.
Wow, I love ALL of the verses you shared here, and those verses have been coming back up over and over again in my life.
Romans 12:1-2 are verses I NEED constant reminders of. Thanks for yet another reminder today.
The verses from Psalm 103 give good direction for our soul, Praise the Lord, O my soul. It is a good place to begin in all our endeavors. I enjoyed your thoughtful post.