With hurricanes swirling, fires burning, and bombs threatened, one’s soul can feel out of balance without some conscious care and nurture.
The news does not display the day-to-day personal crises like painful relationships, chronic or severe health problems, financial fears, addiction, ailing parents or veering children, and political chaos that can feel all consuming.
Be Still
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
How is one to be still during such storms?
A steady foundation is a great place to start. Having balance, cultivating positive energy so the negative doesn’t consume us is imperative. Let me share with you how I navigate today’s culture and have peace.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
If you can take a moment and check in with yourself as I model how I take inventory, you will see the value of Soul Work.
Follow along with me. This process is something that will be of great value to you if you stop and check in with yourself as I model below.
(Download one page to try it out today.)
You can download the FREE Soul Work Journal to print and do this soul work daily by visiting here: https://charlottessoul.com/writing.
S.E.E.P.
Spiritual
How am I doing Spiritually?
I am facing a great deal of attack and threats from enemies. I am at peace as I know that God will avenge. He will care for me, and His plans are greater than any I could ever design. This faith spills over into all areas of my life, where fear threatens to suffocate me. I am grateful for the spiritual foundation I have invested in; it is providing for me in times of great trial.
Environmental
How am I doing in my environment?
I have made radical changes in the last few years to remove myself from a toxic environment where my personal growth was stifled, almost to death. I have developed boundaries in relationships where I didn’t understand that people I love and care for were hurting me. It was not only right but healthy for me to put up a border around the tender parts of my soul and keep out those who do not show me respect, no matter who they are or how much I love them.
Emotional
How am I doing Emotionally?
After years of counseling, 12 step programs and intense care for my soul, I have reached a place of health in my emotions. It was intense, and I felt selfish for caring so deeply about my feelings, but I was desperate. I can see how God is using all I have learned to bless those around me. Caring for my emotions was not selfish at all.
Physical
How am I doing Physically?
This has been a big source of personal contention and something that is interfering with my life balance. I need to dedicate my energy with the same care to it as I have the other areas of my life. Acknowledging that this is something that is weighing me down and collecting negativity is the first step. I am committing to this section of my life without beating myself up for not being where I want to be. I am celebrating the areas of my life that I have invested in and I know this will take as much work and commitment, but it will not only bless me, but it will bless those around me as the other work areas have.
Dear Lord,
You are my God. You are the One who saved me from my sin. Because of my assurance in salvation I do not fear death. I know that no matter what comes, You will be with me. I don’t want to face trials, but You said I will. You also assured me of Your greatness as I go through the valleys of my life.
John 16:33 (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Lord, I am not who I want to be. I allow sin to fester in my life, I think, say, and act in ways that are not glorifying to You. You knew that before the beginning of time and You willingly died for my sin. I am forgiven and even though I don’t understand it, my God I receive it. I refuse to carry guilt and shame for the things I have done and left undone when You, my God died so I could be free of such pain.
Thank you, my Father, for all You have done for me. You have given and given and given and I have taken and taken and taken without acknowledging the incredible blessings I have. Thank you, my King, for not insisting I perform one way or another to receive Your great gifts and provision. Thank you that when I fail I can get back up again knowing You will never leave me nor forsake me.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor for sake you.”
Lord be with all I care about. Be with my family, each one of them. Most of all may they have the peace that I am blessed with even during the storms of life, simply through knowing You personally. Lord, You know the trials I am facing and the one that those I love are facing. You even know the trial of those that I don’t even know but whose cares I feel for.
Lord, I surrender all cares to You. I refuse to walk this earth in fear and anxiety when You have commanded me to cast my cares upon You.
1 Peter 6-11 (NIV)
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Please contact me for coaching or to inspire those at your next event.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Philippians 4: 4-9 (NIV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you.
Boy do I feel like this was written just for me! Thank you for your wise words, transparent testimony and patient counsel.
Thanks, Pam. It is so motivating when God uses others to encourage us to press forward in the call.