A Place For Soul Care
The Difference Between Quiet Time and Soul Care
To keep our faith strong it is important to spend time in prayer. We should carve out time everyday to read a devotional passage from a book or read a few scriptures directly from the Bible, meditate and pray. Many people I know have a quiet spot in their home to have this quiet time with the Lord. Years ago I learned the value of having a place away from home for some longer soul care.
We all know that rest and carving out time for fun and relaxation are important for our mental and physical well-being. What do I mean by “soul care”? I mean getting away from the house with a journal and finding a quiet place. It is important take time to reflect on what is going on in my world and how I am coping. Am I burning out and reacting badly or am I feeling the peace of God and reflecting His inner strength? A place away from distractions. This allows us to be real with our selves and pour out our hearts with every concern and then praise God for His faithfulness. Writing down our thoughts and feelings helps release the tensions.
The Psalms Teach Us The Value of Soul Care
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
Psalm 40:1–3 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.
While my children were in school I ocassionaly drove to a local park and sat in my car watching the ducks on the pond. That is calming enough but I took my Bible and journal to write out my feelings on activities and priorities to. When my in-laws had a cottage near the ocean I found a large boulder by the shore that had a “seat” carved by the waves. I could crawl up there and watch the wind and waves that stretched out forever on the horizon. My my inner most being was reminded of God’s power and majesty. I knew that it was well with my soul because He is in charge and control.
The Need For Soul Care
We know that Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to spend time with His Father. Can you imagine how tiring it was to travel by foot and wherever you went people wanted something from you? In His humanity Jesus knew he needed rest and time talking with his Father before further ministry.
Mark 1:35–37 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Sometimes as a busy Mom I felt that way! “Mom, Mo-omm,Mama!” “I need something or I can’t find something.” Life can be really good but sometimes the daily grind and dealing with other people can wear on our nerves.
I would encourage you to find a quiet place where you can do a physical, mental, emotional and soul check. Pour out your fears, hopes and dreams before our loving God. Thank Him for His presence and peace. Thank Him for hearing your prayer even if no answer is in sight. Below is the third stanza of an old hymn, Near to the Heart of God.
There is a place of full release,
near to the heart of God;
a place where all is joy and peace,
near to the heart of God.
