“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” - Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV).
All religious faiths around the world have one thing in common: belief in the existence of the soul. For Christians and all other faiths traced to creation of Adam and Eve, it is written, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). Meaning our existence is not just the mere possession of bodily organs but starts at that point when God breathes His life into us.
Based on this it is clear that every human being has a body and soul. Our physical bodies do house our souls which St Augustine (354-430) described as "a special substance, endowed with reason, adapted to rule the body"! Yet, picture this, all of life is mostly concentrated on taking care of the body and trying to extend its life here on earth. For instance, how much do we spend on our bodies while so often forgetting there is also the soul as part of our makeup!
The truth is while everyone reaches a point where the body ceases to function, the soul simply departs from the body to wait upon the judgment of its creator, the Almighty God! This is why Paul notes, “I pray to God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
Just as we love to pamper our mortal and perishable bodies, perhaps, it might be well to add, lets also learn to take daily care of our souls too with the rich word of God. As Paul notes, “ For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Further, the Lord cautions us, "Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal" (John 6:27).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heave an earth, I thank you for the gift of the body, but more so, for my soul, which belongs to you and I commit to Jesus as Lord and Savior, this I pray in His holy name
Related upcoming events
-
29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
