Week 22: Say to my soul

Comfort for weary souls from Psalm 32

My soul is tired, beset on every side with demands, distractions, and difficulties. David, the psalmist and shepherd-king of Israel, would understand my struggle. Surrounded by enemies, slandered and mocked, David penned these words:

You have seen it, LORD, do not keep silent;

Lord, do not be far from me.

Stir Yourself, and awake to my right

And to my cause, my God and my Lord.

Psalm 35:22-23, NASB

"Lord, do not keep silent," David says. More than anything in times of stress and strain, our souls need to hear from God. Not intellectually in the form of a great philosophical truth, not emotionally in a song that brightens our feelings for a moment, and not through a unique experience that helps us forget our troubles for a day. We don't need anything so surface as that. No, we need to hear God's voice speaking to our souls. Though our souls are almost deafened by the noise of everyday living, they continuously plead,

Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.”

Psalm 35:4b, NASB

I have begun to ask myself: What voices are speaking to my soul right now? Voices of truth or deception; hope or anxiety; faith or doubt? David heard them all speak in his darkest times:

But at my stumbling they rejoiced and gathered themselves together;

The smiters whom I did not know gathered together against me,

They slandered me without ceasing.

Like godless jesters at a feast . . .

Psalm 35:15-16a, NASB

Have you been there? To the place where the voices that speak to your soul discourage and demean? If so, pray with David and with me, too, "Speak to my soul in this moment, O Lord, and remind me that You and only You are my salvation."

This week as we study David's words in Psalm 35, pay attention to the voices that are speaking to your soul. We have a choice, friend. We do not have to listen to the voices that wound and encumber. We can choose to tune our ears to the voice of the Lord of our salvation who teaches our souls to rejoice.

Readings and Reflection Questions

Monday's reading: Psalm 35

Read through this psalm, noting David's description of being surrounded by enemies. What is assailing your soul in this season of midlife? How can you prepare yourself to hear God speak to your soul more clearly?

Tuesday's reading: Psalm 42

Carefully read through Psalm 42 and note the actions David takes to find healing for his wounded soul. List them and choose three to practice this week.

Wednesday's reading: Psalm 119:81-88

In this portion of Psalm 119, the psalmist pleas with God for soul healing. According to these verses, what part does scripture play in protecting and restoring wounded souls? How has scripture protected and restored your soul in times of trouble?

Thursday's reading:  John 10:1-15

What distinguishes Jesus in His role as the Good Shepherd from others who try to speak to our souls? If you have you been listening to voices of theives and robbers, what has been the impact of their words? In what ways have you personally heard the voice of the Shepherd of your soul?

Friday's reading:  Matthew 11:28-30

What does Jesus promise to those who come to Him? How does Jesus describe Himself and His desires for us? How might following Jesus provide rest for our souls?

Weekend reading:  Psalm 63

This psalm describes the gratitude that comes from a soul that knows and follows God. What is the psalmist grateful for? What are you grateful for?