A couple of years ago the Huffington Post launched an app
called “GPS for the soul.” The app is
based on two truths they say, “that we all have within us a centered place of
harmony and balance, and that we all veer from that place again and again. “
Arianna Huffington stated, “There’s a snake lurking in this cyber-Garden
of Eden. Our 24/7 connection to the digital world often disconnects us from the
real world around us -- from our physical surroundings, from our loved ones,
and especially from ourselves. We see the effects of this in every aspect of
our lives.”
The Bible speaks a great deal about the
soul. The soul can be deeply troubled. David cried out, “My soul is in deep
anguish. How long, Lord, how long?” (Ps.
6:3) and again, “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my
affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” (Ps. 31:7).
Our soul can rejoice. “Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and
delight in his salvation.” (Ps. 35:9).
Our soul can be refreshed, “He refreshes my soul.” (Ps 23:3) and our soul
can be at peace. “Truly my soul
finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” (Ps. 62:1).
Jesus taught that there is nothing in this world more
important than the condition of your soul.
“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit
their soul? Or what can anyone
give in exchange for their soul?”
(Mt. 16:26). And again, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot
kill the soul. Rather, be afraid
of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt. 10:28). “Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls.” (Mt. 11:29).
John Ortberg, in his book, Soul Keeping, writes, “We live in a world that teaches us to be
more concerned with the condition of our cars, or our careers, or our
portfolios than the condition of our souls. … What if I don’t get a promotion,
or my boss doesn’t like me, or I have financial problems, or I have a bad hair
day? Yes, these may cause disappointment, but do they have any power over my
soul? Can they nudge my soul from its
center, which is the very heart of God?
When you think about it that way, you realize that external
circumstances cannot keep you from being with God.”
What is truly important is not our possessions. Neither is
it our physical strength or beauty. Nor is it positions of influence, power or
fame. What is truly important is the
person we are becoming. Although our bodies may wither with old age and
disease, our souls can continue to grow in grace as we love God and others.
This is why Jesus said that the first commandment is to
“love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.” And the
second is like it, “to love your neighbor as yourself.” If we receive His gift of grace and do this, we will
find food and rest for our souls.
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