To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul (Psalm 25:1).
How many times do we say or sing the words listed above: “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul”? Simple words, and easy to say, but not so easy to do at times—at least not for me. And yet, if I did, I would surely find myself less often scratching my head and saying, “How did I get here?”
The key is in understanding the word “soul,” which in turn helps us understand how we “lift” our soul to the Lord. If we remember that our soul is made up of our mind (thoughts), emotions, and will, the picture becomes clear. To lift up our soul to the Lord means that we submit our thoughts and emotions to Him, and choose (submit our will) to live according to His Word rather than by our emotions or thoughts. Simple…but not always easy.
Here’s another thought that might help. The devil is often referred to as the “enemy of our soul.” Though he can’t undermine or defeat the spirit of a born-again child of God, he certainly can try to use our mind, will, and emotions to deceive and harm us. But if we remember to submit or “lift” our soul to God, seeking His direction and protection, the devil will fail in his attempts to derail us.
The devil is smarter than we are, but 1 John 4:4 says, “He who is in you [believers] is greater than he who is in the world.” God in us is greater than the devil in the world. That gives me great comfort and assurance—and the perfect incentive and reminder to continually lift my soul to the Lord.
I just read about "Deliver Me From Evil" on Whispers in Purple and so want to read it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
It is so nice when the lord lifts up our Souls - needed that. Have you seen Whispers in Purple, she also sees God in a unique way as you.
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So looking for the Deliver me from evil!!
Kathi! Writer after my own heart! I want this book! :D I saw Peggy post on FB and headed right over. I'm still seeking agent/publisher for Finding Beth. She's sitting at an agency right now... waiting to hear whether or not they want to see more. Praying!!!
ReplyDeleteI saw the post on facebook, too! And Linette, praying that your book finds a home!
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post. I'm always shocked by how OBVIOUS the devil is. He always overplays his hand. Too much stress, too many disasters in the day, and suddenly I realize that I've lost my focus. If he was just a little more subtle, I would spend the whole day whining. But no! I've learned that my temptation is to complain and lose my temper... And JEsus is the remedy and my comfort!
Ooops, contact info!
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I can't wait to read one of your books! I've heard only great things about them. Came over from Whispers in Purple :)
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