“Souls Starved by Activism” III
We’ve been talking about how our souls get depleted and starved if we are too busy to notice or pay attention. If we are frantically living in the fast lane functioning like everything is a crisis we miss out. Our souls get cluttered if we do not maintain good “housekeeping” techniques.
We’ve been talking about how our souls get depleted and starved if we are too busy to notice or pay attention. If we are frantically living in the fast lane functioning like everything is a crisis we miss out. Our souls get cluttered if we do not maintain good “housekeeping” techniques.
Thomas Moore comments, "Care of the soul begins with observance of how the soul operates. We can't care for the soul unless we are familiar with how it operates."[Care of the Soul 5]
Often the soul is hiding because it’s not safe to come out. Distractions and defenses keep the soul from speaking. The soul will speak when given enough time in solitude and silence.
Symptoms are often the voice of the soul. The disruptions we experience – from the thirst we try to satisfy with illegitimate things…anything we do or use to make our lives work apart from God. We expend a lot of energy working to protect ourselves from pain, from being exposed, from fear and rejection. This exhausting enterprise dead-ends the soul.
The psalmist’s words resonate, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.” “Examine me, O Lord, and try me; test my mind and my heart.” Psalm 42:8; 26:2.
Symptoms of soul neglect according to Mindy Caliguire are: “self- absorption, shame, physical fatigue, isolation, stronger temptation to sin, drivenness, feelings of desperation, panic, insecurity, callousness, a judgmental attitude, cynicism and lack of desire for God.”
Signs of soul health : love, joy, compassion, giving and receiving grace, generosity of spirit, peace, ability to trust, discernment, humility, creativity, visions, balance and focus.” [Discovering Soul Care 14]
Our souls get refreshed in the Presence of Christ but that does not happen if we don’t situate ourselves in His presence and make knowing and seeking Him a priority.
Consider – Where do you go, or to what do you turn, to soothe or silence your soul pain?
Jesus invites us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.
How will you respond to the invitation Jesus is giving?
Gail Seidel
Gail Seidel served as Mentor Advisor for Spiritual Formation in the Department of Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and as an Adjunct Professor in the D Min in Spiritual Formation in the D Min Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has a BA in English from the University of Texas, a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Seminary and a D Min in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is a contributor to the textbook, Foundations of Spiritual Formation, Kregel Academic. She served as co-director for Christian Women in Partnership Russia with Entrust, an international church leadership-training mission. She and her husband Andy live in Fredericksburg, Texas. They have 2 married children and 6 wonderful grandchildren--Kami, Kourtney, Katie, Mallory, Grayson, and Avery.
