If the heart is the place where we feel the deepest feelings, treasure the deepest thoughts, and live out the deepest love, then the soul is the eternal, live-giving part of us that connects us to the life-giver.  The soul could be defined as the actual connection point between the here-and-now and the forever.  Everlasting life has already begun, and we are on a journey to join that eternal part of us (which now resides in a temporary body) with our Creator for the consummation of all he has promised to those who love Him.

Sometimes I long for that connection, I’m starving for it, but I’m missing it because life has gotten in the way. What will satisfy such a hunger?

Soul food connects the eternal part of our being with the eternal God Himself.  It is found in the simultaneous simplicity and magnificence of creation. It is found in the beauty of music that stirs us to the core of who we are; it is found in the message miraculously preserved through the centuries: the living Word of God.  I think one of the reasons the Bible is such satisfying soul food is because its authenticity touches us right where we live.  It introduces us to real people who have the same struggles and doubts as we do and doesn’t sugar coat their failings.  When Zechariah was visited by the angel Gabriel and received the news that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son he said, “How can I be sure of this?  I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”  I love the response: “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of GOD, and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this news.”  God sent an archangel and Zechariah still couldn’t believe it. Oh, how I see myself in Zechariah. It’s not enough that God has performed miracles in my life…from time to time, I still doubt.

And when I find myself doubting once again, I know my starved soul is longing for the touch, a visitation, a word, a connection point with the Almighty God. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, plugging into a classical concert, or praying through a Psalm, He feeds my soul. When I simply stop running long enough to invite Him to speak and be quiet long enough to listen, He never disappoints.

From the very depth of who we are – the headquarters of our belief system, our passions, our deepest thoughts and desires coupled with the eternal nature of our being — the part of us that is able to connect with the Living God — from this place, we are commanded to engage it all, to commit it all and to give it all in love and service to God. This is how we love the Lord with all our soul — by staying connected to him, as much as it is up to us, and with a fully nourished inner life, loving and serving him with all we are, with all we have, and in all we do.

Love,
Gigi

My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. He is the One Who saves me. –Psalm 62:1 (NLV)