A few months ago I got reacquainted with an old friend via Zoom. As we caught up on what had taken place in our lives since the start of the pandemic, she was taken aback by what I personally consider to be the most challenging aspect of 2020. And what I remember most about our conversation is her facial expression in response to what I shared. It was not my spiritual life which suffered most, nor my physical body, (although I terribly miss going to the gym). The area of my greatest suffering is my soul.
I have always considered myself to be spiritually strong. However, I was unaccustomed to the depth of suffering I experienced in my soul due to the onslaught of events which took place in recent months. On several occasions, I woke up with tears in my eyes by experiencing the suffering that stems from the human condition. I eventually had to unplug from social media, watching a limited amount of news, and silencing the notifications on my phone simply to maintain my peace. I went into deeper levels of prayer and the Word of God as I listened for what the Lord would say.
Since we are made up of three parts: A spirit, a physical body, and a soul, we must give equal attention to all those parts. If any part of our being is neglected or comes under attack, that particular part will notify us when something is wrong or out of balance. According to Vines Complete Expository Dictionary, the Greek word for soul is psyche, which has to do with our emotional state of being.
Recently during morning prayer and devotion, the Holy Spirit led me to read about Jesus’ experience in the garden of Gethsemane as he faced the most difficult part of His human condition – the cross. Although I’ve read it many times, I received fresh revelation which I will share with you. In order to grasp this message, I want you to put yourself at the scene as one of the Lord’s disciples. Only stay awake and keep your eyes on Jesus, unlike what the disciples did, because of their heavy hearts.
Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
Jesus’ soul was crushed with grief?
If the soul of Emmanuel (God with us) was crushed with grief, how much more can our souls be crushed under the weight of the abundance of trials we endure on the earth?
Since we have an enemy working against us, the Bible states, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8, NLT), so let’s not be ignorant of his devices. Thankfully, we have a strategy to counter his attacks. The Word tells us, “Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are (vs. 8,9). As believers in Christ Jesus we are in this together. In fact, Jesus understands suffering and He is touched by the feelings that come from our infirmities.
We need not feel small, weak, or like failures. When our soul is experiencing great agony, we are in great company. Being reminded of Jesus’ suffering soul should serve to strengthen and encourage us in our earthly suffering, despite what we are faced with. Because of the joy that was set before Him, Jesus endured the cross, and now He is seated in a place of honor at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
12 Ways to protect, encourage, and strengthen your soul:
1. Pay attention to triggers of sadness and anxiety.
2. Make a conscious choice to rid your life of excessive news, noise, and outside voices.
3. Turn off notification sounds on your electronic devises.
4. Start each day quietly listening for God’s voice and what He will speak to your heart.
5. Saturate your soul with the Word of God and meditate on it throughout the day.
6. Read a daily devotional or other encouraging literature.
7. Go out into nature to behold God’s beautiful creation.
8. Listen to weekly podcasts to uplift and encourage your heart.
9. Use a diffuser with pure essential oil to release good aromas in your home.
10. Sit quietly and listen to instrumental worship music.
11. Find a prayer partner to connect with weekly.
12. Focus on what you are thankful for.
In conclusion, the Bible states, “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (I Peter 2:25).
Jesus is the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. He understands suffering, not only in body, but also in soul. Stay close to Him and declare the following passage listed below over your life to remind yourself that Jesus loves and cares for you.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul (Psalm 23:1-3).
Brighter days are ahead for us as children of God. So, for the joy of what lies ahead, may we endure suffering like good soldiers. God has wonderful things in store for us.
Blessings to you,
Kathy
More information on prayer and the suffering soul is available in my books, Pray-ers Bear Fruit: become a person of prayer, and Meet Me in the Valley: walking with God through the low places in life at KathyRGreen.com/Books.