Tending the Soul
Read this Teaching Recap
When it comes to the relationship between the person and the soul, Scripture uses language that describes the soul as something we have that we can manage or maintain or tend to, but it also uses language that describes a much closer connection between the person and the soul—that we are souls (Heb. nephesh).
If this is true, it means asking a question like “how is your soul?” is (1) much more than asking about something that happens after you die, (2) much more than asking if you’re reading your bible enough, and (3) one of the most important questions you can ask.
If we are souls, it means that behind all of the other identity labels we carry (consumer, employee, parent, etc.) is a more foundational identity label: soul. If we are souls, then we are free to slow down, “seek first the Kingdom,” and let all the other identity labels take a back seat in our life.
Tending to the soul is tending to the you that really is you, the life that really is your life. It is tending to the real you, as a whole being, mind-body-spirit, unique, individual, and existing in a God-filled world.
A healthy soul is not achieved overnight, nor is it opposed to suffering. As we follow Jesus, slow down, abide in Him, and receive his transforming love, He can teach us too to say, “Whatever my lot, it is well, it is well with my soul.”
Do this Practice Tonight
Reflection.
During the teaching, we looked at a list of words and were given some time to identify one or two that describe your current “state of soul.” Here is the list again. Offer a short prayer, inviting God’s presence and then take a few minutes to review the list again. Which one or two words is sticking out? If you’re doing this for the first time, how do these words answer the question, “how is your soul?” If you are doing this for the second time since Sunday, are the words you picked the same or different?
“Loving Longing Nourished Busy Exploring Squeezed Affirmed Neglected Content Forgotten Connected Distracted Rested Withered Healthy Overwhelmed Agitated Seeking Thawing Discovering Encouraged Disillusioned Daring Settled Hurried Fulfilled Foggy Hungering Known Abandoned Alive Flourishing Weary Whole Hurting Energized Encumbered Free Heavy Wanting Wandering Delighting Broken Trusting Anxious Disturbed Joyful Tired Thankful Ambivalent Courageous Numb Brittle Curious Apathetic Engaged Wounded Open Discouraged Hopeful Unsettled Burdened Fragile Peaceful” (from Leadership Transformations Inc. Used with permission.)
After prayerfully reviewing the list, go around the circle and share what word or words are sticking out? If you feel comfortable, share why you think those words are describing your state of soul. Listen gently with one another offering love and grace. Enjoy this time learning more about one another.
Note for the Leader: Depending on how this time goes, you may choose to extend this portion, skip the discussion, and go straight to an extended time of prayer.
Discussion.
Review Genesis 2:7 and the meaning of the Hebrew word nephesh. What questions or wonderings do you have?
Knowing God’s desire for us to be individual person’s uniquely in relationship with Him and that our soul matters, how might God be calling you to respond to tending to your soul?
If caring for your soul means:
“We are free to slow down”
“Seek first His kingdom”
“Spending time with others”
“We are free from the tyranny of the enemy”
“Life as usual must go”
“We are set free from lies”
“We enter the kingdom life of God now”
Then, how might your life look differently or the same moving forward?
Is there anything sense God is drawing you to notice and spend time with Him in prayer? Are there any resistances you are noticing? Does this language sound strange or inviting? Share honestly with one another and listening with grace and love.
Prayer.
How might you as a group support one another in leaning into caring for your soul?
Practice of the Week
Set aside an hour or two this week to be alone with God. Listening for His voice. Meditate on a Psalm or a word or phrase that comes to mind from a worship song or Scripture you have been reading. If possible, enjoy a walk in solitude with the Lord.
