Soul Doing: What are You up to?
Trust in the Lord and do good. Psalm 37:3a
Life at the sixth grade lunch table can be a hard place to be. To be labeled a Goody-two-shoes was a kiss of death to anyone who longed to be popular.
Maybe we still carry these negative connotations of do-gooders. But we’ve grown up now and doing good is part of our lives.
Good work began at creation as God spoke this world into existence. The creative work of God took shape in the lives of men, and God called it all good.
Trust and Do
Can I tell you how easy it is to get caught in the say-yes-to-everything cycle? I don’t need tell you because you already know. It is way too easy to get stuck in the crossfires of a need and a good cause.
It happened to me just last week. I had more on my to-do list that is possible for the most gifted of super-women to accomplish.
Incoming…
A desperate plea for more nursery workers.
Sometimes No is a really uncomfortable word.
Life is filled with many opportunities to help out and do good–we just can’t do all of them.
Beyond busyness
There aren’t enough hours in the day, or days in the year to accomplish all the good that needs doing. We live in a world desperate for good, and that can be overwhelming at times.
Doing and being are paired together in this simple instruction. Simple isn’t always easy, yet when we live life from a foundation of trusting God, it is the answer that is always right.
Not good:
- Sometimes we trust God, but do nothing.
- Other times, we are busy doing, but faith is left behind.
- Often we rush ahead doing good in our own strength.
There is a fine balance between trusting and doing that creates faithfulness. It is a balance in the art of living by faith, this doing what is good with a heart firm in the trustworthy hands of God, responding to the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The word trust means to lean on, rely on, and be confident in. To be bold, secure, without care we feel safe when we trust in God.
This is the kind of trust that allows the trapeze artist to let go, flying through the air with abandon, confident that the catcher will not let them fall.
It is trust that quiets a crying baby simply because mother’s arms hold them tenderly.
Hannah Whitall Smith reminds us,“Faith is simply to believe and assert the thing that God says. If He says there is peace, faith asserts that there is, and enters into the enjoyment of it.”
Trusting God allows us to believe and possess, to live in and then live out God’s promises. Trusting God enables us to do what is good–the right thing and the right time.
Trusting God…not trusting self.
When self-effort kicks in, we can easily to slip into a works mentality. So subtly we can begin working, doing good, to please God more in an attempt to control the outcome we want rather than doing good our to the pure expression of Christ in our hearts.
One way we can put our finger on the pulse of our heart motivations is whether or not we are trusting God in our work/doing good.
When we aren’t trusting God, it’s SO easy to find ourselves…
- frustrated that our plan isn’t working
- upset others aren’t responding the way we want
- afraid to risk failure
- trying to prove something with our work
- attempting to control situations and outcomes…
Any of this sound familiar?
Steven McVey says that we often ask God to bless our efforts of doing good. Yet the New Testament model of a Christian is “not one who dedicates his own work to God. Rather it is the story of God Himself doing the work through a person totally yielded (trust) to Him.”–Grace Walk, p. 31.
My soul, what are you up to?
Soul Conflict: Faith or Flesh?
Faith or Flesh?
This world prizes self-sufficiency and it feeds on achievement. As those who have committed our hearts to Christ, we can still feel the conflict between our bent for self-reliance and our desire to walk free in the Spirit. Sometimes this conflict rages undetected, wearing at our souls and draining the energy right out of our hearts.
We desire to live God’s way, but without meaning to, we can still be dragging around the broken ways that we’ve always known.
What is wrong with this picture?
Somethings are just too heavy to carry.
This soul conflict of walking in the flesh while we are trying to walk in the Spirit can make a gal unsteady on her feet. We’ve all gotten caught in the battle that wages between flesh and Spirit.
For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15
Back and forth between flesh and Spirit, it takes time for God to search us and show us the depths of the old ways of coping with life and depending on ourselves. Truths we know, have learned, have walked in…God uses brokenness, pain, and the hard things of life to show us that the ways of the flesh just don’t work. We come to the end of ourselves.
We want to move from sinner to sanctified in one easy step. A couple of hard lessons and we’ve got it. A + on the test of life.
Then God decides it’s time to bring us to the next step, the deeper level of what we thought we knew.
Over time, we discover there is a world of difference between knowing with our minds and truly knowing in the depths of our beliefs and experience. Knowledge without going through the crucible of experience does not fully penetrate the depths of our soul knowledge.
Think of it this way. Our soul is a deep pool filled with what we believe–really believe–not just know or agree with.
This is the truth that we live. Our belief pool has a bottom that is our foundation of core beliefs. Some of those beliefs are the truths of God.
But some of those beliefs are conclusions and perceptions, based on experiences and thoughts.
For instance, I know that in Christ I am accepted and loved. End of story…knowledge-wise.
Yet in the press and push of experiences, I’ve also learned that it hurts when you’re not accepted by people that you value. Sometimes truth and false beliefs born of pain and sin lie side by side in the depths of our soul.
God doesn’t force His way in. He takes us one step at a time through a process of breaking us from the old ways of our flesh. For you see, God can’t bring us to our full potential until we have experienced the truth that our own abilities and perceptions can’t take us all the way.
They can’t take us God’s way, which is dependence rather than independence.
Friend, have you found yourself asking God to bless your efforts, to help you do what He wants you to do? I have. Hanging onto that self-reliance, our flesh is still trying to do the work–now it’s just religious work.
But God didn’t save us to work for him, to be successful and productive in His name. God is interested in relationship–deep communion where Christ is living His life IN us. He saved us to be family, not employees or slaves.
In the flesh, and bound by the law, we pray, ” ‘Lord, help me to do the things You want me to do.’ In other words, ‘Help me keep Your rules.’ Grace will cause a person to say, ‘Lord Jesus, I am abiding in You and You in me. Express Your life through me in any way you desire.'” (Steve McVey, Grace Walk, p. 37).
This is the reality of learning to live by faith rather than by flesh.
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:4
My Soul Knows
Bless the Lord, ambulance O my soul, And all that is within me, blessHis holy name. Bless the Lord, thumb O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your...
Soul Questions: Do You Like You?
Questions your soul needs to answer.
There is something about this video that touches a tender spot tucked just under the surface of my soul. Out of sight, it’s easy to forget about that place until insecurity peeps around the corner. There is something compelling and convicting about the vulnerability and realness the women pictured in this video.
Am I beautiful? Am I enough? Do you like me?
These are the questions that our hearts ask when we are depending on ourselves to feel beautiful and whole. These are a few of the affirmations we seek when we’re depending on others to make us feel valuable– snares the flesh sets for our souls.
Yes, something about this hits a place of insecurity and hot tears prick and spill over, letting me know that feelings are deep in this place.
Insecurity often comes when our flesh is pushing and prodding us to meet expectations, whether they come from others or from our own driven hearts. We’re on shaky ground when pain from failures and rejections causes us to forget who we are.
What’s underneath this need to know that we have what it takes? [tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#identity”]The fears of our flesh are building an identity on what we can accomplish.[/tweetthis] The longing to prove we are adequate, valuable,and loved lurks beneath the surface of all our trying.
Do you like you?
This question pries open emotions I’d rather pretend aren’t there. Most days, I have this question pushed back and covered up with the business of this life. [tweetthis]When my identity is based on my performance, abilities, I’ve forgotten my true place as a child of God.[/tweetthis]
Soul, do you like you? [tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#likeyourself #identity”]Have you forgotten to like yourself in the rush to meet the expectations of others?[/tweetthis]
Soul, are you weary under the weight of a negative self-image? Are you able to enjoy the good blessings in your life, or are you stuck worrying about what you’re not?
Soul, are you worn out with all your trying, performing for approval and acceptance, trying to be what others think you should be? Are you so anxious to please that you hide your faults and feelings? Do you measure your value based on productivity?
Soul, why do you feel compelled to keep everyone happy? When did you take on the responsibility for the well-being of others?
Soul, when did you become fearful of conflict? Where did you learn that your voice doesn’t count when the steaks are high and emotions are heated?
Soul, when did you start measuring your value based on what other’s say? Why do you believe silence means they didn’t like what you worked hard on? Why does disapproval make you wither inside?
Soul, why do you take care of everyone else, but ignore you’re own needs? Why is pleasing others more important than listening to and caring for yourself?
When these question rise in my soul, I see there is still some distance to go in taking off the thinking and striving of my flesh. I remember that my identity is in Christ. I choose to trust him with the needs of my soul and the things He is still working on.
I remind myself…
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13-14
I speak to my soul.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
I’m sharing this post at Coffee for Your Heart today.
If you’d like to read the entire series, this link will take you to the landing page.
Soul Struggle: What’s the Big Deal About the Flesh?
Day 7: Soul Struggles
This post continues from yesterday’s short post on soul search.
O Lord, You have searched me and known me…
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
God shows us what is really going on when we allow Him to search our soul– our thoughts, feelings, and choices. The flesh is tucked away in the soul and causes us a world of trouble. The Bible often refers to the flesh in lists like this:
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions… Galatians 5:19-20.
What’s the big deal?
Often these seemed like the big sins, things that I tried pretty hard to avoid. So I wasn’t too worried about the whole flesh thing, after all, I am one of those gals that work hard to follow the rules.
Flesh, the self living independently of Christ, is far more intrusive than the “big sins.” In fact, some versions of the Bible translate the word flesh simply as human effort.
Okay now, back up. Hold it right there.
That puts a whole new spin on this flesh life. In the nitty-gritty of our lives, flesh is a mind-set that’s all about self–meeting my own needs, fixing my own problems, creating my own solutions, getting my own way, controlling people and steering circumstances to meet my expectations.
Hmm…really, I’d rather talk about something else. Something more comfortable that doesn’t make that tender spot between my eyes burn with conviction.
The flesh/self-life is a controller and is ravenous to gain approval and avoid the sting of rejection. The self, prances and preens to look good and achieve success…all on my own.
The flesh life tries to build an identity based on self-image, propped up with abilities, personality, education, looks, self-discipline…
Here are a few more areas the Flesh can seek identity through:
- accomplishments
- job
- money
- material possessions
- performance
- position
- reputation
- children/family
- home
- church
- friends
- And on and on and on…and on.
When we are living out of our own resources, we have no need to trust Christ to live His life in us. You see, in our flesh, we are interested in the basics–
- Cope with life
- Solve problems
- Meet needs–>love, worth, adequacy, security, and acceptance.
- Gain success
Flesh has some general characteristics– proud, controlling, deceptive, and self-protective. These are just starters.
We cause ourselves, and others, all kinds of grief and heartache when we are running wild and the flesh is calling the shots. Paul warns us, “For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Galatians 5:17).
When we ask God to search our souls and set us right, we will often find that He will show us a problem we are having with some aspect of our flesh.
“The Holy Spirit will show you what you need to change in a way that’s gentle, life-giving, and affirming” –such truth words from Holley Gerth, who kindly shares her wonderful graphics.
When we open our hearts to the loving conviction of the Holy Spirit, we are one step closer to freedom as we learn to live light in the wholeness of Christ.
It is His desire to cleanse us inside and out from the bondage of sin and self. God’s work in a life is to heal our hurts, restore our vision, lift our emotions, guide our steps, and fill our lives with the indwelling Christ. He is the saver, the Savior, of our souls.
As God makes us holy and whole, He heals us from the struggles of our soul.
His life is the hope of glory that strengthens us with all power as He works mightily with in us (Colossians 1:27, 1:11, and 1:29).
Soul Search: Why are You so Hard on Yourself?
Have you asked this question?
We search and inspect, looking for every flaw. We measure and count, grading and comparing that which is precious before God.
Day 6: My Soul, why are you so hard on yourself?
As if.
As if we are the judge and the jury. Truly, we are often kinder to others than to ourselves.
What if I learn to let go of the standards I have defined for myself? How freeing to stop trying to press myself into a mold.
You know the kind I’m talking about.
Perfection disguised behind my if only’s.
- If only I were 25 pounds thinner.
- If only I were smarter, funnier, prettier…
- If only I were more faithful and brave.
- If only I were more organized, more prepared, more thoughtful…
- If only I hadn’t said that or done this.
If only…
I’m not sure what’s on your list, but believe me, we’ve all got a list of what we think we should be, what we should have done, and we could go on and on until tomorrow has run out of minutes.
Going through the motions doesn’t please you,
a flawless performance is nothing to you.
I learned God-worship
when my pride was shattered. Psalm51:16-17 msg
Isn’t it time?
When we press the tally marks against our soul and the shame of our failures cause us to stumble…it’s time.
When the hidden faults and secret sins fester and drag us down…its time.
When we find ourselves going through the motions with God, hands busy but heart empty…it’s time.
When we’ve swallowed rejection and believed the lies that echo in our hearts… it’s time.
Soul search is a gift that sets us right.
It’s time to let go of the expectations that wear away our souls. It’s time to stop hiding behind strengths and achievements. It’s time to let God take over the true gift of soul search. His soul search sets us right, unlike the judgment and condemnation of our own hearts.
O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.–Psalm 139:1-3
God sees through eyes of love…
The truth that we’ve long denied, the resentments stuffed down so deep we’ve almost forgotten–He understands.
Pride’s shortfall that mourns in our souls, grieving what we’re not, what we should be–He knows.
His soul search shows us the strivings and coping of our self-life trying to fix it all on our own.
These are but a few of the bits and pieces we’ve hoarded in our flesh. And this is our need ask for God’s true and right soul search.
For it is God’s loving soul search that sets us free to run forgiven in wide fields of grace.
Thoughts for searching…
How can letting God show us the truth inside–what is good and precious as well as what needs to change–set us free?
When you think of God searching you, do you only think of judgment, or do you also think of encouragement?
Have you ever considered that some of the hurtful ways in our hearts are aimed at ourselves rather than others?
I’d love for you to leave a comment today so we can be encouraged that we are not in this alone.
For it is God’s loving soul search that sets us free to run forgiven in wide fields of grace.
Soul Notes: God’s Smile is for You
Welcome to day 5 of the 31 day writing challenge. Normally I only post a couple of times a week, and it’s easy for me to think, “nobody wants to hear from me everyday.” For my regular readers, I hope you’ll enjoy the...
The Soul Strength of Delighting in God
Loving God… and delighting in Him, medicine is the truest work of the soul. Yet how often do we chase after delight and satisfaction in countless counterfeit pursuits? John Piper states “He is the end of our search, not the means to...
Recharge with a Short Rest for the Soul
Be good to your soul.
One sweet part of taking care of ourselves is knowing when we need to slow down and enjoy the moments that feed our souls. For each one of us, this is going to look different.
Soul, do you need a moment to rest?
For active folks, recharging the soul comes with an energetic run, a good work out, a bike ride on a beautiful day.
For extroverts, feeding the soul often involves quality time with special people.
For creatives, the soul rests with a camera or paintbrush, loosing the self in color, form, texture, and beauty.
For contemplatives, quiet moments writing, reading, or reflecting allow the mind, body, and spirit to rest.
You get the point, right?
Soul, take time to recharge.
Take care of your soul, nurture yourself when you need it. Life is often a crazy, hectic race, and if you don’t pace yourself…few others will. Know what I mean?
When was the last time someone really saw you, knew the look on your face, the longing in your eye, and the tired hunch of your shoulders drawing in? In our busyness we often don’t notice these things about people.
When was the last time someone wrote you a hall pass to rest? An excuse to step out of the fray and catch your breath? This is why it is so important that we learn the soul care of pacing ourselves.
Finding margin in the busy.
Today is a busy day–Bible study, grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, work, and family. Your day was busy too, right?
I discover a gap of margin, to take a little rest. Between one errand and the next, I happen to pass by a bird sanctuary tucked away. Knowing I only have about 20 minutes to spare, I pull in. Unplanned.
Car tires crunch along the twisted gravel drive as a canopy of trees arch overhead. The simple act of turning off the busy road feels good. Making time for sanctuary.
Sanctuary in the moment.
I park and walk to the water’s edge where the Potomac cuts inward and spiky grass meets river. Clouds crowd the horizon covered in the blue of the day. The entrance of fall begins to spot the trees.
And I breathe.
I rest from the work of my soul. Eyes open, the artist in me comes out to play. Drinking in beauty and appreciating the creative wonder of God, I delight in the world before me.
Birds swoop and sway overhead, searching for fish and riding the wind. The inward tension releases as I snap pictures, making art and reveling in the creative presence of God.
I walk and pray as I enjoy the sun brilliant on the water. For a few moments, I rest and recharge.
Noting the time, I take a last full breath and return to the car. Still many things to be done in this day, but I am grateful for a step out of time to rest. The ground is large beneath my feet.
When you need to take a little time to pace yourself, how does your soul rest?
I’m finding it doesn’t always have to be a big chunk of time. This weekend, I’m writing you a hall pass for rest. Find a little time and space to let your soul breathe this weekend.
I’m so glad you stopped by today for a little strength for your soul. How can you find time to feed your soul with moments of rest and recharge?
