How Is It with Your Soul?
Methodist history reminds us that John Wesley, the “father of Methodism,” would open weekly class meetings with this question: “How is it with your soul?” There is no information about how the participants in those 18th century prayer and Bible study meetings ever responded. It is, however, a challenging question worthy for consider-ation by Christians today.
Worship, Sunday school, and Bible study, our major resources for weekly spiritual growth and enrichment, have not been held because of the pandemic. Group gatherings have largely been restricted. We may be seeing each other on Zoom, but handshakes and hugs are “on hold,” along with our other opportunities for growth in the faith. An active church member answering a question about what it was about worship she missed the most replied, “While I enjoy the music and message, being in worship with my church family makes my soul feel connected.” Many of us would agree with her. We must now identify what we can do to fill the void due to these disconnections.
The 23rd Psalm includes these words, “He (God) restores my soul…” The psalmist implies that God’s gift of restoration comes from maintaining a spiritual relationship with our Creator. What is it that can feed our souls and bring us into a more meaningful relationship with God and God’s purposes for our lives? The question requires self-examination and earnest seeking. It calls upon us to think about our spiritual lives and practices. It asks us to examine our daily activities and identify how we receive spiritual nourishment for our souls so that we are enabled to put our faith into action.
A United Methodist publication lists “Five ways to feed your soul.” They are fasting/silence, praying, reading, especially scriptures, doing good for others, and gathering/sharing with others. For me, help comes from participation in daily spiritual disciplines. Prayer, meditating on scriptures, and reading daily devotionals are basic activities that provide inspiration and lead to action. In addition, I believe that performing acts of kindness and generosity also contribute to the restoration of our souls. Anytime we can give of ourselves to others without a request or promise of getting something in return provides nourishment for our souls.
Now let’s go back to Wesley’s question: “How is it with your soul?” How are you nourishing your soul during these pandemic times?
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Song: It Is Well with My Soul– The Issacs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqv8LmRaLRo
About the Author:
The Rev. Dr. R. Franklin Gillis has been a resident of the Richmond area for 30 years. He served on the Richmond District as senior pastor of Bon Air UMC, and Richmond District Superintendent prior to his retirement. Writing a devotional, “Reflections for the Journey,” is a part of his weekly disciplines.
