Soul Care: 5 warning signs that you may be soul weary

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” -Proverbs 17:22

As a woman, we can be easily pulled under by the under-toe of life’s to-do list. Before we know it, life’s current has pulled us out to sea without a life jacket and we’re left on our own trying to keep our nose above water. Eventually, the waves of life pushes us into shore, laying face down in the sand like a ship-wrecked survivor. We are left weak and dehydrated in our souls, crying out for nourishment.

Does this sound like you? Then you may be “soul weary.”

Here are 5 warning signs that you may be soul weary.

1. Fatigue or inability to sleep:

When I am overwhelmed and I can’t shut off my mind, sleep then eludes me. I then gradually become irritated and tired spending so much time entertaining my anxious thoughts all the while forgetting that I have a Father who loves me.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

2. Feelings associated with anxiety and or depression:

Pro-longed fatigue is then followed up with feelings of depression and anxiety. The feelings associated with depression/anxiety are very deceitful because they send us messages about ourselves that are false.

Without soul care, the voice of truth (God’s voice) becomes faded as the cares of the world close in on us.

3. A sense of apathy toward life:

We find ourselves going through the motions of our day. The small things in our day that we once found joy we are now numb towards. Waking up and sipping our coffee, taking time to look at God’s creation around us, delighting in the laughter of a child. By staying connected in our spirits to God, His presence pointing us to the joyful moments of the day. God gently whispers to us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

4. Feeling out of control and relying on your own strength:

When I am soul weary I have to ask myself a question. Am I relying on my own strength to get through the ups and downs of my life? Am I seeking God for His nurturance? Am I seeking the fellowship of my Christian friends by sharing my burdens or am I “white-knuckling” it on my own? If I have learned one thing in life it’s that I cannot walk this journey alone. I need God as my ever present help and I need His people to uphold me and to nurture me. I need to share my weaknesses and my short comings so I know that I am not alone on this sometimes soul-weary journey.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

5. Your relationship with God is distant or even non-existent:

Early in this soul-care series I talked about a “healthy God image.” You need to ask yourself, “How do I feel God views me?” If you see Him as a distant father or mean task-master you are not going to seek Him to care for your soul.

If you haven’t read the blog regarding ä “healthy God image” I encourage you to do so. John 15:1-27 says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. …

You are so very loved by God, it doesn’t matter how your past life story reads. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you are forgiven and redeemed! Praise His name! I saw a quote once that said, “When satan tries to remind you of your past you can remind him of his future.” Amen? Your soul care depends on your relationship with God.

In the next installation regarding “soul care” I will share with you practical steps to starting and maintaining your soul care. Until then, know that you are a precious child of God loved to the fullest!

His Daughter,

Melanie