How can I restore my soul?

Question: "How can I restore my soul?"



Answer: Answers about restoring your soul can only be found in the Bible and through a personal relationship with God. The Bible is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and has the answers and wisdom to deal with everything we will ever face. It can make us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), serve to encourage us when we are faint hearted (2 Corinthians 1:3) and be our guidebook to a life of peace and satisfaction (Psalm 119:97-105). While there are all kinds of books written by men offering worldly wisdom only God's Word is truly capable of restoring our soul and offering us hope in times of distress.



It is important to remember that ultimately it is only God who can restore our souls (Psalm 23:3). Jesus promised rest to all those that would come to Him (Matthew 11:28-30), so it is important that we are sure of our salvation and our relationship with God. Only those that are truly born again in Christ can experience the peace and joy that God has promised in his Word.



Thankfully God has provided for us when face discouragement, trials and temptations. He has provided us with three primary sources of encouragement and strength. First, He has given us His Word to guide us, encourage us and nourish us spiritually. We need to spend time reading it, hearing it preached (Romans 10:17) and most of all obeying it (Psalm 119:2; Proverbs 3:1-2; James 1:25). Second, God has also given us the privilege and power of prayer (Matthew 7:7-11; Mark 11:24-25; John 15:7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14). We need to take our problems, our discouragement and our tiredness to God in prayer knowing that He loves us and cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7). Third, He has given us other Christians to encourage us and support us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-19; Ephesians 4:29; Hebrews 3:13). It is important to be a part of a healthy, well balanced, Church and to regularly worship and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:23-25). Christians who have gone through similar struggles can be a great source of encouragement and help as go through dark times (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).



Discouragement in times of trouble and tribulation is not unusual. Throughout the Bible we see examples of godly men and women who have faced similar thoughts and problems. These examples can serve as encouragement to us today because the same God who was faithful to them then will be faithful to us today. I would begin by reading the Psalms because King David wrote many of these during the dark times in his life and they can serve to encourage us when we are depressed, tired and discouraged.

Recommended Resource: God Moments: Daily Reflections to Refresh and Restore Your Soul by Cook Communications.