24
Jul
Summer welcomes us to dwell a few minutes more on the back deck or gaze longer at a sunset. Such lingering can be good for the soul. Karen Friday, the guest writer this week on “Joy to The Soul Summer,” provides Scriptures and inspiring prompters to add deeper reflection to our quiet time. Thanks Karen!
One of my favorite things about summer is the slower pace. For most of us summer brings a more leisurely and unhurried rhythm of life.
Kids are out of school. We plan time off work to travel and go on vacation. And we often gather with friends and family fostering intentional connection and recreation.
But in this slower pace and rhythm, the Lord also desires to teach us how to care for our soul. So here’s some ideas for S.U.M.M.E.R soul care.
S – Satisfy our soul with what only God provides.
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV)
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV)
Like we long to vacation at the beach, hope to relax at a tropical resort, or desire to fill our summer with joyful activities, our soul longs for good things as well. The Lord wants us to slow down long enough to spend time in His presence. And ask God to satisfy, fill, and replenish our soul with His goodness.
U – Understand the role Scripture plays in our soul’s wellness.
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” (Psalm 119:28, ESV)
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Psalm 19:7a, ESV)
Just as many physical activities in summer like swimming, biking, hiking, walking, and sports, strengthen our physical bodies, the Word of God revives and strengthens our soul.
M – Magnify the Lord’s holiness and praise His name.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1, NIV)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11, NIV)
When we take our eyes off others and ourselves and look up to the Lord; and when we magnify the Lord instead of life’s cares and burdens, our soul thrives instead of just survives.
M – Make seeking and loving God a priority.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
When asked what is the greatest commandment, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37, NIV)
As we seek God and not the world, and love Him above all else, it radically transforms us and our soul.
E – Examine the habits that help or hurt our soul.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” (3 John 1:2, NIV)
John knew complete wellness included not only the body, but also the soul. What daily habits contribute to our soul’s health? What habits damage our soul’s wellness?
R – Rest our soul in the Lord.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1, NIV)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3a, ESV)
How many of us are running through life at breakneck speed instead of resting in the Lord?
Let the slower rhythm of life in summer teach us to rest our souls in the God of our salvation. He alone saves our soul and He alone restores our soul.
I hope and pray your S.U.M.M.E.R soul care showcases your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2)
Karen Friday is a pastor’s wife passionate about the local church, women’s ministry, speaking, and sacred callings. Known as Girl Friday in the writing and blogging world, she founded the award-winning, online community, Hope is Among Us at Karen Girl Friday. The Friday clan includes two grown children and two grandchildren. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” They owe Monday an apology. Connect with Karen on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Lauren Renee Sparks
Love all of these. Finding you all over the internet today, Karen, as I just came from the recharge wed. link up. laurensparks.net
Joy
Hi Lauren! These prompters to yield to God’s presence are a blessing in any season. I’m so grateful to have Karen sharing with us this week!
karentfriday
Thanks for having me, Joy. I’m grateful to be in your online space and join forces with your community, friend!
karentfriday
Thanks, Lauren. It seems many of us are intentional to care for our body and overall physical wellness. But caring for our soul often falls off the radar. And yet, “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:9, ESV)
AMY JUNG
The one I relate to most recently is making Him a priority. I feel pulled in many directions in the summer. So many opportunities every morning…every day. If I don’t make Him a priority first thing, there’s not much hope for later in the day! Enjoy your summer!
Joy
Hi Amy! Yes, battling distractions can feel like a relentless part of the faith journey. May we yield to the many opportunities — morning, noon and night — to focus on God.
karentfriday
Most of us relate to that tug and pull, Amy. Even with the slower pace of summer, it’s easy to get caught up in summer fun and activities without spending time in God’s presence. But when we make it a practice, oh how it transforms our soul! Thanks for commenting!
Laurie
Love the verse from Matthew. There is nothing more important that we can do than Loving God with all of our heart. This should be our number one priority for “soul care”! 🙂
Joy
Yes Laurie! The most effective soul care is to deepen our relationship with the Maker and Keeper of our soul.
karentfriday
True, Laurie! It’s amazing how much our soul thrives when we really love God with all our heart, soul and mind! Thanks for commenting!
marthajaneorlando
Yes, Karen, our souls need nurturing just as our bodies do. Loved your tips on how to slow down and embrace more time with the Lord each and every day.
Blessings!
karentfriday
Martha, the Lord created us body, soul, and spirit, so it’s that intentional care for our soul as part of who we are! “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-3a, ESV)
Erin
I am a stay-at-home-mom with two sweet, silly little boys. Summer is an excellent time for some divine boredom. It’s hot here in Georgia, so getting creative with indoor play, swimming, and using our imaginations are all part of the summer game. But, I love the reminder to use these seemingly endless summer days to renew my relationship with God.
Joy
Hi Erin, I’m grateful for these reminders too. My “little boy” is a teenager now. But as my parenting (and other aspects of my journey) unfolds these truths continue to bring peace and transformation. Thanks for stopping by!
karentfriday
Hey Erin, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can see how you must be creative with your summer activities and the kids. I, too, must remind myself of how the ultimate rest, resoration, and refreshing comes from Christ…in my soul! “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (Psalm 62:1, NIV)
Marcie Cramsey
The scriptures truly do play a role in strengthening my soul. It is amazing how I can wake up anxious, angry, even, and frustrated with all that I have to do, but when I sit down, read my Bible, all is put into perspective, and my heart of angst changes to a heart of peace. Soul care is a must if we are to navigate this world of crazy. 🙂 Thank you, Karen!
karentfriday
I like how you said that, Marcie! The world is crazy and has gone half mad. So if we aren’t careful, our souls are swept into all the craziness. Lord, teach us to rest in You. Revive our souls, so we thrive and not just survive.
Jeanne Takenaka
Karen, this is such a great post. As I read all the wonderful things summer holds for some people, I had to stop and consider why my summer isn’t holding that this year. And, God reminded me I am in a different season than some. And yes, it is a busy season. But, when I spend time with the Lord and refresh my soul, my spirit, first in His word and also with fellow believing friends, He gives me what I need to get through this season of busyness. I so appreciate your focus on God’s word!
karentfriday
Hi Jeanne, I remember you saying how with your teen boys, summer has been busy and hectic. Soul care is important in our present experiences whatever that looks like for each of us. And for not only summer but also for all year long. God’s Word is key. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Psalm 19:7a, ESV)
walkingwellwithgod
Karen,
Great Acronym and what a breath of fresh air reading all the scriptures you quoted for summer soul care. We had a leaking pipe disaster that had our home torn apart for two months and we had to be out of our home for two weeks. I feel like I’ve lost my beloved summer. Just now attempting to get back into those rhythms of rest. Your post was a balm for this harried soul 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xx
Joy
Yes, Karen’s creativity with the S.U.M.M.E.R. acronym is a tremendous source of encouragement. I’m so sorry to hear about your pipe disaster. Hopefully, the repairs are behind you now. May the remainder of the summer hold much peace (and some relaxation) for you and the family.
Cheryl Gerou
I love these “soul care” ideas. Thank you so much for sharing them! My favorite is the “r”, I have a rock in my car with Psalm 62:1 on it. It helps me remember where I always find rest when I begin to stress and strive. Sweet blessings to you!
Joy
Hi Cheryl! I love that you have a favorite letter in Karen’s sharing on soul care for the S.U.M.M.E.R. They are all so good!
Lisa notes...
We all know this kind of soul care! Love this: “The Lord wants us to slow down long enough to spend time in His presence. And ask God to satisfy, fill, and replenish our soul with His goodness.” Asking now. Amen.
Joy
I love that kind of soul care too Lisa! The wisdom Karen gives us in this post applies to any season!