A Whole Soul
“I will bless the Lord at all times: God’s praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord. The humble shall hear thereof and be glad” (paraphrased Psalm 34: 1-2).
One of the first truths I learned after being born again was that Christians were to bless the Lord regardless of their life situations. My mentor used the scripture, “No matter what happens, always be thankful for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, TLB). When life is mellow, it’s easy to give praise to God. But when things are not going well, the mind and heart may not feel up to it. The Pandemic crisis is enveloping our life and livelihood and testing our faith. Still, we must be obedient to God’s Word, stretch out our faith, and bless God through it all.
When we bless the Lord, we are in communion with God. Communion with God enriches our soul to the true source of what brings meaning to life. Power, wealth, strength, or position in society are fleeting as evidenced by the great material losses occurring because of the Pandemic.
Jesus never said we wouldn’t have difficulties. He said, “In this world, you will have trouble, but cheer up for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). Our faith is strengthened when we bless and thank God during the good as well as the difficult times. Faith in God brings hope and peace. Hope sees that the best is yet to come. Peace keeps our minds quiet and much less distracted.
We are living in days that call for enduring faith, vigilant prayer, and praise to the Almighty Sovereign God. Ask God to increase your faith. In Colossians 2:7 Paul says, “Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.” God’s Word teaches the truth. The truth is, God will never fail you or forsake you. The truth is, God is an ever present help in trouble. The truth is, God’s power is greater than all visible and invisible forces. Our limited knowledge is incomparable to God’s divine wisdom.
During this time of crisis, I encourage you to spend time every day reading the Bible, listening to spirit-filled music, praying, and sometime just getting quiet and sitting still. Never be afraid to share your heartfelt concerns with God. God will speak to your heart and reassure your soul. Before long, your soul will be boasting in the goodness of the Lord. The external circumstances have not changed but your faith has grown. Now you can say like Douglas Miller, “My soul is anchored in the Lord, or like Andraé Crouch, “Bless the Lord, O my Soul.” Or even say like Horatio G. Spafford, “Whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, it is well with my soul.”
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47, NIV).
