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.