Soul Keeping Study Guide

1. The soul is the essence of who we are, integrating will, mind, and body

You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God's great universe.

The soul as integrator. The soul is the deepest part of our being, connecting and coordinating our will (intentions), mind (thoughts and feelings), and body (actions). It seeks harmony between these elements and with God's intent for creation. A healthy soul experiences integration, while sin causes disintegration.

Eternal significance. Our souls are not just temporary; they have eternal consequences. This understanding should shape how we live and what we prioritize. The condition of our souls at the end of our lives is what truly matters, not our accomplishments or possessions.

Soul awareness. Recognizing the importance of our souls can transform how we approach life. It shifts our focus from external circumstances to internal well-being, from temporary satisfaction to eternal significance. This awareness can lead to more intentional living and a deeper sense of purpose.

2. Our souls crave connection with God and need constant care

The soul is like a stream of water, which gives strength, direction, and harmony to every other area of our life.

Soul's primary need. The soul has an innate longing for God, designed to find its fulfillment in a relationship with Him. This connection is not just a religious concept but a fundamental aspect of human nature. When this need is unmet, we often try to fill it with other things, leading to dissatisfaction.

Ongoing maintenance. Like a stream that needs constant tending, our souls require regular care. This involves:

• Spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, worship)
• Self-reflection and introspection
• Cultivating virtues and positive habits
• Addressing sin and negative patterns

Personal responsibility. While community and spiritual leaders can offer guidance, ultimately, each individual is responsible for the care of their own soul. This requires intentionality and commitment to prioritize soul care amidst life's many demands.

3. Sin disintegrates the soul, while obedience to God brings freedom

To become truly free, you must surrender.

The nature of sin. Sin is not just about breaking rules; it's a force that fragments our inner being. It creates discord between our will, mind, and body, leading to internal conflict and dissatisfaction. This disintegration affects not only our relationship with God but also our relationships with others and our sense of self.

Paradox of surrender. True freedom comes not from doing whatever we want, but from aligning ourselves with God's design for our lives. This involves:

• Recognizing our limitations and need for God
• Submitting our will to God's wisdom
• Embracing spiritual disciplines and obedience

Gradual transformation. The journey from sin to freedom is often a gradual process. It involves developing new habits, renewing our minds, and consistently choosing to align with God's will. This transformation leads to a sense of integration and peace within our souls.

4. The soul needs rest, blessing, and gratitude to thrive

Arrange your days so that you are experiencing total contentment, joy, and confidence in your everyday life with God.

Rest for the soul. In our busy world, the soul craves rest. This is not just physical rest, but a deeper spiritual rest that comes from:

• Practicing Sabbath and regular periods of solitude
• Learning to be still and present with God
• Letting go of the need to constantly achieve or produce

The power of blessing. Actively blessing others (and receiving blessings) nourishes the soul. This involves:

• Intentionally speaking words of affirmation and encouragement
• Praying for others' well-being
• Performing acts of kindness and generosity

Cultivating gratitude. A grateful heart is essential for a healthy soul. Practices to develop gratitude include:

• Daily reflection on God's blessings
• Keeping a gratitude journal
• Expressing thankfulness to others and to God

5. Suffering can lead to spiritual growth and deeper connection with God

If you ask people who believe in God when they grew most spiritually, the number one answer will be suffering.

Transformative potential. While suffering is painful, it often becomes a catalyst for profound spiritual growth. It can:

• Strip away superficial faith and lead to deeper reliance on God
• Reveal our true priorities and values
• Develop empathy and compassion for others

The "dark night of the soul." Times of spiritual dryness or God's seeming absence can be particularly challenging. However, these experiences can:

• Teach patience and trust in God's timing
• Deepen our understanding of faith beyond emotional experiences
• Prepare us for greater spiritual maturity

Finding meaning in suffering. While we may not understand the reasons for our suffering, we can choose to:

• Seek God's presence and comfort in the midst of pain
• Look for opportunities for growth and transformation
• Use our experiences to help and encourage others

6. Arrange your days to experience contentment and joy in God

You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.

Intentional living. Creating a life that fosters soul health requires deliberate choices about how we spend our time and energy. This involves:

• Prioritizing activities that nurture our relationship with God
• Setting boundaries to protect time for rest and reflection
• Cultivating habits that promote inner peace and contentment

Eliminating hurry. A hurried life is often an enemy of soul health. Steps to combat this include:

• Practicing mindfulness and being fully present in each moment
• Simplifying our schedules and commitments
• Learning to say "no" to non-essential activities

Pursuing joy in God. True contentment comes from finding our satisfaction in God rather than circumstances. This can be fostered by:

• Regular meditation on God's character and promises
• Cultivating a sense of wonder and gratitude for God's creation
• Seeking to align our desires with God's will for our lives

7. The soul finds ultimate satisfaction only in God, not worldly pursuits

My soul, find rest in God.

The futility of worldly satisfaction. Our culture often promotes the idea that happiness comes from achievements, possessions, or experiences. However, these pursuits ultimately leave the soul unsatisfied because:

• Material things are temporary and can be lost
• Achievements and recognition don't address our deepest needs
• Pleasure-seeking often leads to addiction or emptiness

God as the soul's true home. The soul was designed to find its fulfillment in a relationship with God. This satisfaction comes through:

• Experiencing God's unconditional love and acceptance
• Aligning our lives with God's purposes
• Participating in God's ongoing work in the world

Practical steps toward soul satisfaction. To cultivate this deeper fulfillment:

• Regularly engage in worship and prayer
• Study and meditate on Scripture
• Seek ways to serve others and participate in community
• Practice contentment and gratitude in all circumstances

Last updated: August 2, 2024