6 Tips to Practice Summer Soul Care
Summer invites us to linger longer on the front porch or back deck. A glass of iced tea or lemonade and we’re all set. Summertime welcomes us to pause from the hectic pace. It beckons us to relax by the pool or in a cozy hammock. But are we practicing soul care?
Because we are often intentional to care for our bodies in summer.
And we participate in outdoor activities (even exercise), gather with friends and family, foster recreation, and plan time off work to travel and go on vacation.
Yet, sometimes caring for our soul falls off the radar.
Still, in this slower rhythm of summer, the Lord also desires to teach us how to care for our soul.
So here are 6 tips for S.U.M.M.E.R soul care.
S – Satisfy our soul with what only God provides.
“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9, ESV).
“For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV).
Like we long to vacation at the beach, hope to relax at a tropical resort, or desire to fill our summer with joyful activities, our soul longs for good things as well. The Lord wants us to slow down long enough to spend time in His presence. And let Him satisfy, fill, and replenish our soul with His goodness.
The Lord wants us to slow down long enough to spend time in His presence. And let Him satisfy, fill, and replenish our soul with His goodness. #Soul #care #wellness #summer Click To TweetU – Understand the role Scripture plays in our soul’s wellness.
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” (Psalm 119:28, ESV).
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Psalm 19:7a, ESV)
Just as many physical activities in summer like swimming, biking, hiking, walking, and sports, strengthen our physical bodies, the Word of God revives and strengthens our soul.
M – Magnify the Lord’s holiness and praise His name.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name” (Psalm 103:1, NIV).
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11, NIV).
When we take our eyes off others and ourselves, and look up to the Lord; and when we magnify the Lord instead of life’s cares and burdens, our soul thrives instead of just survives.
M – Make seeking and loving God a priority.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).
When asked what is the greatest commandment, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’” (Matthew 22:37, NIV).
As we seek God and not the world, and love Him above all else, it radically transforms us and our soul.
E – Examine the habits that help or hurt our soul.
“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2, NIV).
John knew complete wellness included not only the body, but also the soul. What habits promote our soul’s health? Or, what habits damage our soul’s wellness?
'Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well' (3 John 1:2, NIV). What habits promote our soul’s health or damage its wellness? #summer #wellness Click To TweetR – Rest our soul in the Lord.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1, NIV).
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…leads me beside still waters…restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3a, ESV).
As mentioned last week in Top 10 List: What I Cherish About Summer, many of us are running through life at breakneck speed instead of resting in the Lord.
Let the slower rhythm of life in summer teach us to rest our souls in the God of our salvation. He alone saves our soul and He alone restores our soul.
Summer Soul Care
I hope and pray your S.U.M.M.E.R soul care showcases how your soul is getting along well. (3 John 1:2)
Which tip resonates most with you?
This post first appeared on my friend Joy Williams’ blog.
Sometimes I participate in these link-ups:
Legacy Linkup/Inspire Me Monday/Literacy Musings/Tell His Story/Purposeful Faith/Recharge Wednesday/Worth Beyond Rubies/Tune in Thursday/Heart Encouragement/Embracing the Unexpected and Faith On Fire.
© 2020 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
This summer I am able to practice ‘Examine’ more – because of the lockdown mornings are more relaxed, and the benefit of being able to sit quietly and reflect is so good for my soul!
Sharon, like how you said “examine.” Even Scripture calls us to examine our hearts and lives and determind what is good for the health of our soul!
There is satisfaction that only God can give us. But we must seek that satisfaction by seeking Him. Good reminder to take time and be intentional.
It certainly is a choice and intentional on our part, Nancy. If not, it won’t happen.
I think when we seek God and make Him a priority, everything else just naturally falls into place. May we slow down and spend one-on-one time with Him, not just in summer, but every day of the year. Blessings, Karen!
Agree, Martha, soul care daily and all year long. As we seek God and not the world, and love Him above all else, it radically transforms us and our soul.
These soul care tips are great for summer and every season. I find comfort when I rest in Him. Pausing, taking a deep breath in and letting it out slowly, I am calmed. Resting in Him is refreshing, relaxing and renewing. 🙂 Great message Karen,.
Melissa, just reading your comment made me want to pause and breathe deeply. I’m sure our soul longs for this as well…all year long.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him” (Psalm 62:1, NIV).
These are great tips for every season of life Ms. Karen. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us ma’am. God’s blessings.
Thanks, J.D. “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jeremiah 31:25, ESV).
Understanding the role of scripture spoke to me. I’m trying to take better care of myself — lose some weight, get healthier overall — and the Word does play a role in every part of our lives. God is strong, I am weak — but His strength in me can break unhealthy habits and thought patterns. I’m so thankful we serve One who is intimately involved in daily life — and for our good. Great post, Karen!
Thank you, Cathy. Appreciate your comment and sharing how this relates to you and your present goals. Such good insight. Scripture is meant to feed our soul, bringing us to a healthy place.
“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” (Psalm 19:7a, ESV)
What an encouraging post, Karen! Thank you! Everything you shared from God’s Word prompts me to push back from my computer, and grab hold of my schedule today, which has been rush, rush, rush as I care for a recovering spouse, groceries, a browning lawn, and all the stuff needed that he usually handles, because I’m the chronically ill one. These past ten days, I haven’t been able to bask in the Lord’s presence, but merely to grab bite-sized chunks of blessing. I need to bask. Signing off for now. Thank you, sister!
Melinda, so sorry to hear about this hectic schedule and your husband recovering from sickness. I relate to trying to do it all and forgetting what is of uptmost importance…caring for my soul.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11, NIV).
I love your encouragement in this and your last post. Besides our heat in Oklahoma, I am now looking forward to a relaxing summer with God at its center.
Thanks, Yvonne. “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2, NIV).
It would be hard to say which resonates with me the most. They are all needed. But it would probably be the role of Scripture. That’s the main way God teaches and ministers to us. A close second would be resting in Him. I don’t have to fret or worry about anything, but trust Him. And as many years as I have known that, it’s something I still have to remind myself of.
Barbara, I think we all need the reminder to just rest in the Lord and let Him refresh our souls. And I agree, Scripture plays such a vital role in our soul care.
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!” (Psalm 119:28, ESV).
Such encouraging reminders of practical applications based on God’s Word.
Thank you!
Glad this encouraged you, Ava.
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name” (Psalm 103:1, NIV).
This was a great list and a wonderful reminder to care for our souls! Thank you. It is so easy to forget about our soul during the busy summer months.
Hey Stephanie, soul care often falls off our radar. Why is that? Oh, the enemy of our souls likes it that way and schemes to keep us deceived. I pray we open our eyes and souls to let the Lord restore our souls!
I’ve been convicted lately about the importance of truly resting in God. He provides peace and joy in any circumstance! I used to be awful about relaxing, but the more I learn to rest in His peace, the easier it becomes. Thanks, Karen!
I relate, Jessica. It was always hard to slow down with a “to-do” list as a type A pesonality.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…leads me beside still waters…restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3a, ESV).
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9, ESV). What a great reminder Karen. That we can seek soul peace through all kinds of summer activities like resting on the beach, enjoying a happy hour, working in the yard. And while those earthly, worldly activities might provide some rest and rejuvenation, nothing fills us and gives us soul rest like the Living Water. Jesus is the only thing that satisfies our longing, hunger, unrest, weariness.
For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9). What a good reminder Karen, that only Jesus can fully satisfy us. So while people might turn to earthly, worldly activities like sitting on the beach, engaging in happy hour, working in the yard to find soul rest, these activities will only provide some temporary solace. But when we turn to the Living Water, our thirst and hunger is quenched and we are truly and deeply satisfied.
So true, Anne. Anything other than God and His Word and His work in our lives, only gives temporary satisfaction. But nothing, absolutely nothing on this earth will bring 100% satisfaction to our soul except Jesus Christ. I pray we continually evaluate: What habits promote our soul’s health? Or, what habits damage our soul’s wellness?
Hi Karen! Purposefully praising, especially when I’m feeling a bit whiny or under a cloud, does my soul good and redirects me to the One who gives joy and peace.
I hope your summer is off to a splendid start. Bless you!
That’s true for me also, Linda. Something about praising the only worthy One drives away the blues and the enemy! That’s always good for our soul. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Sitting on my porch swing in my back yard listening to the birds and seeing the flowers and trees helps feed my soul. It always reminds me of God and how even creation sings his praises. It is amazing how many hymns come to mind when I am there. May we devote time to nourishing our souls this summer and letting his words fill our weary hearts.
Theresa, I love the imagery how all of creation sings His praises when we enjoy the beautiful landscape of summer.
I love these tips, Karen. What a great recipe for Summer soul care. Keeping the Lord close to us throughout the whole year is the only way be strong and faithful to Him.
Hey Wendy, yes, these tips for caring for our soul apply in all seasons and keep us growing in our faith.
Hey Karen, These are some great Summer Soul Care Tips! Thanks for sharing on Legacy Link-up
Thank you, Mandy. I enjoy link-ups and reading what God inspires others to write!