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?
God Himself is Making Me Whole
Day 2: Well maybe the worst part about taking up a 31 day writing challenge is…day 2.
Just kidding! Actually, I’m interested to see what God is going to say through this post because it has been a day of some serious soul work. It is work that I’m not ready to share, but it has been digging-deep-under-the-surface kind of intense. And believe it or not, it has been good.
I’ve got your curiosity up now, don’t I? Sorry about that, but there are times when deep work of the soul is between you and the Holy Spirit. And that’s okay, cause that’s the way we are around here. We give each other grace to be where we are and love each other as we are. This makes us soul friends. Right?
What’s good for your soul?
May God Himself–this is the personal touch of God, active and present. Paul asks for God to do something special.
The God who makes everything holy and whole…I can’t contain myself. I’m shouting HALLELUJAH right now. This is what God delights to do–He is a God of wholeness, bringing all of us back into completeness that we were created for.
Today, I looked straight and brave into some broken places in my life, places bent and warped by the pressure of expectations, fears, and failures. I have counted the cost and uncovered the thin places that have become brittle. How well I know this soul need for God Himself. This caring One who makes everything, including me and my broken pieces, holy and whole.
Strength for my soul.
On a day like today, a day that has been long years coming, can I tell you how precious this is? To affirm and rejoice that God Himself is doing something extraordinary in midst of the mess and beauty, the hard and the sweet, the joy and the hurt of the life I live?
Can I tell you how precious this is– that this same God is working in your life too? This Make-you-holy-and-whole work is for you. I don’t know what soul-needs you have, but I know that you’ve got them. We all do, this side of heaven. And when you rely on Christ, He is making you holy and whole too.
No matter what.
All the way whole brings us all the way into God.
This is wholeness: complete in all its parts, in no part wanting or unsound.
Another translation says, sanctify you entirely. This is no half-way kind of talk. God is in the process of making us all-the-way whole and holy. This is sacred work of a life that only God can do, and there are no half-measures with God.
He is, and He will–…put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.
This Soul–
The word soul comes from the Greek word psychē, and it refers to the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
The soul is the inner man or innermost part. Home of our personality, our soul is made up of mind, will, and emotions. It is through our soul that we relate to others, make choices, dream dreams, draw conclusions, and run wild with feelings.
Do you know what this means?
Think of all the work, the time, and the sheer grit-your-teeth effort we put into getting ourselves together. If God is taking the responsibility to put us together whole and holy, we can stop trying so hard to make ourselves fit into molds of ideals and expectations. We can take a deep, long breath and relax into His capable hands.
Spirit, soul, and body–God is bringing all our parts together, reaching to the deep places we can’t get to, and bringing them into line with His plan and purpose.<Tweet.
This is one of my favorite Oswald Chambers quotes,
Now just maybe there is a Hallelujah beginning to bubble up in your soul as well.
Be sure to leave me a comment and say hello! If you know someone who needs a little soul strength, won’t you share this post?
Day 1: Soul Strength
Day 2: God Himself is Making Me Whole
Day 3: Recharge with a Short Rest for the Soul
Day 4: The Soul Strength of Delighting in God
Day 5: Soul Notes: God’s Smile is for You
Day 6: Soul Search: Why are You so Hard on Yourself?
Day 7: Soul Struggle: What’s the Big Deal About the Flesh?
Day 8: Soul Questions: Do You Like You?
Day 9: My Soul Knows
Day 10: Soul Conflict: Faith or Flesh?
Day 11: Soul Doing: What are You Up To?
Day 12: Soul Sabbath: Discovering the Rest of God
Day 13: Soul Thoughts in Pictures
Day 14: Soul Reach
Day 15: Soul Confidence: You are Enough
Day 16: Soul Messages: What are Your Feelings Telling You?
Day 17: Soul Truth: Feelings of Truth?
Day 18: Soul Blessings for Your Weekend
Day 19: Soul Feelings: Unlocking the Messages
Day 20: Soul Keeping: Taking Care of Your Body
Day 21: Soul Comfort: You are Loved
Day 22: Soul Thriving: Planting Roots of Faith
Day 23: Soul Glow: Shine Like Crazy
Day 24: Soul Puzzle: Finding the Right Fit
Day: 25: Soul Faith: Do You Believe God is Good?
Day 26: Soul Source: Are You Relying on Your own Efforts?
Day 27: Soul Source: Are You Relying on Your own Efforts, Part 2
Soul Strength
Day 1: Soul Strength? What is it and why is it important?
#write31days
All posts for this series are listed and linked at the bottom.
We experience and interpret our world through the soul, which is made up of our mind, will, and emotions. Our thoughts, choices, and feelings reside in the borders of our soul, making the soul a key ingredient to life.
We long to stand strong. On the hard days, we look for strength to meet challenges head on. We crave success and equate it with strength and value.
Challenges of the Soul
If you’ve ever walked through a challenge of the soul, you know what it is to long for soul strength. We often rely on ourselves–our own strength and abilities independent of Christ, and we work hard to keep some semblance of control.
So we work and strive, we control and fix, trying to force life into the mold of what it means to be OK.
My natural tendency is to depend on my own strength as I handle pressures, make plans, work towards success, and cope with problems. I have spent a long time reacting to life based on my desire know love, acceptance, value, security, and adequacy, core needs of the soul.
And though I love and trust God, I’m still learning how deep the old habits of the flesh go. I understand many of the truths of God, but in practice, I’m still learning to take off the old ways and grow into God’s way of living.
How about you?
Does this sound familiar?
Though this self striving may work for a season, God loves us too much to let us go a lifetime of depending on our own strength. Self strength is deceptive, inconsistent, and limited.
Depending on our own abilities robs us of the gift of fully experiencing the power of God at work deep within. God has so much more for us than a life of trying to make it on our own.
Soul strength.
Here is what God desires for us, and this is the heart of soul strength:
… to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man…
Yes, yes, and yes!
God’s answer for all the fears and failures that we try to overcome is to trust and experience the filling power of God’s love and strength.
When we are full of Christ, we are strong, and when we are weak, He is strong.
Join me this month as I take up the 31 DayWriting Challenge. I’ll be posting throughout October with a variety of photos, verses, quotes and reflections to strengthen our souls. Will this be a stretch for this gal? You bet!
Some days I’ll simply post a picture with a verse or quick thought. A couple of days a week, there will be a longer post. I’m looking forward to what God has to show us and together we will explore…
Soul Strength. His Strength.
Here is the entire series. I will add the links as we go. Each day will also post on the blog.
Day 2: God Himself is Making Me Whole
Day 3: Recharge with a Short Rest for the Soul
Day 4: The Soul Strength of Delighting in God
Day 5: Soul Notes: God’s Smile is for You
Day 6: Soul Search: Why are You so Hard on Yourself?
Day 7: Soul Struggle: What’s the Big Deal About the Flesh?
Day 8: Soul Questions: Do You Like You?
Day 10: Soul Conflict: Faith or Flesh?
Day 11: Soul Doing: What are You Up To?
Day 12: Soul Sabbath: Discovering the Rest of God
Day 13: Soul Thoughts in Pictures
Day 15: Soul Confidence: You are Enough
Day 16: Soul Messages: What are Your Feelings Telling You?
Day 17: Soul Truth: Feelings of Truth?
Day 18: Soul Blessings for Your Weekend
Day 19: Soul Feelings: Unlocking the Messages
Day 20: Soul Keeping: Taking Care of Your Body
Day 21: Soul Comfort: You are Loved
Day 22: Soul Thriving: Planting Roots of Faith
Day 23: Soul Glow: Shine Like Crazy
Day 24: Soul Puzzle: Finding the Right Fit
Day: 25: Soul Faith: Do You Believe God is Good?
Day 26: Soul Source: Are You Relying on Your own Efforts?
Day 27: Soul Source: Are You Relying on Your own Efforts, Part 2
When “Because” is a Good Answer
Teach me. Converse with me. May we share Your word together, breaking bread at the table. Write Your truth on the soft lining of my heart and the marrow of my bones, the joints where flesh and spirit meet. This is my heart and I offer it...
