Day 21 – Read Proverbs 21
4 Ways to Sustain Soul Health
I have apologized numerous times (and still do) to my family and friends for reckless words that have pierced their souls like a sword. The power of fiery speech creates pain for us all. How can we improve our "soul health" that, in turn, affects our "word health"? Below are four ways to have soul health, so we can best serve others with gentleness and joy.
1. Prioritize soul health.
Years ago, I had a meeting with a friend who saw my calendar littered with appointments and said to me, “You better slow down, Rick.” At the time, I thought his counsel was overcautious, but he was right. Decades later, having experienced burnout and anxiety, I'm learning that soul health is not supplemental, but fundamental to our spiritual well-being. We must make soul health a priority in our lives.
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. – Provbers 21:23 NLT
2. Watch your words.
Speaking before thinking creates soul anguish and relational hardship. But thinking before speaking can eliminate much of that anguish and hardship. Eliminating unnecessary, untrue, unfair, and unkind words dismantles soul hurts. My friend modeled these principles by living out these acronyms:
- L.L.L.L. (Listen, Learn, Love, Lead).
- R.P.H.T.A. (the Righteous Ponder How To Answer; Proverbs 15:28)
- Q.T.L. (Quick To Listen; James 1:19)
- POBPOG (Put Off Bad; Put On Good; Colossians 3:8-17)
3. Love what God loves.
Jesus knew our souls are healthiest when we love God and others well. He said, “You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NLT). Author Bryan Chapell writes, “…When we embrace the love of Christ, we will also embrace the way of life that Christ loves.”
4. Let Jesus heal your heart.
When our soul health has a virus, Jesus provides a treatment for our spiritual immune system (Matthew 11:28-30). He understands our sickness and gives forgiveness for all our soul sins. Come to Him for soul healing and refreshment, since the cross brings ultimate healing. Then, spread that joy and health to others around you!
Dig Deeper
1. What changes can you make to prioritize your spiritual and soul health?
2. Who do you know that has good "soul health"? How can you model some of their specific traits?
