“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” - Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV)

THE SOUL

“What is running your life at any given moment is your soul. Not external circumstances, or your thoughts, or your intentions, or even your feelings, but your soul. The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self.” - Dallas Willard

It is a fitting description to say that the soul “runs” our lives because just as runners need rest lest they burn out, each of us requires rest for our souls to be healthy.

As Dallas describes it, true soul rest is only found in a relationship with Jesus. Aligning your way of life with His is like stepping into the light and easy yoke He offered in Matthew 11. As you become a “yokefellow” with Christ, your burdens become lighter, and the way is easier because you allow God to share in bearing the load. Jesus offers this way to His followers out of His own humility and lowliness, setting an example of how we are to embrace the way of the easy yoke with humility and meekness.

The soul rest that comes with learning from Jesus—this way of the easy yoke—also includes acceptance of His providence. When you really trust His way, you can let go of trying to control outcomes. You can relinquish to Him the vision you have for your life, rid yourself of the need for accomplishment, and trust fully in God’s provision and guidance for your life.

The soul at rest is able to rest because its source of security is Christ alone. It is freed from anxiety, no longer seeking external validation but finding acceptance and assurance in Christ. The soul at rest has relinquished control to God.

REFLECTION

In what areas of your life are you working in your power to achieve outcomes? What steps can you take to surrender those areas to Jesus?

PRAYER

Sustainer of my soul, help me today to find my rest in You. To find my significance, may I look only to the assurance of Your salvation. May I look beyond my insufficient human abilities to accomplish outcomes and rest fully in You and the resources of Your Kingdom. Amen.