How is it With Your Soul?

Ryan Ward

Let’s take a moment together to check in with ourselves. John Wesley would often open a conversation with people by asking one question: “How is it with your soul?” So, take a moment and think about that question…how is it with your soul? As I write this blog several answers come to my mind: I feel grateful, slightly anxious about things I want to accomplish but do not have enough time for, joyful, and burdened for a few people that I am helping walk through some tough things. I also sense an overwhelming peace in my soul because I am reminded that, though I have burdens and troubles, I am not the savior. Further, I am deeply aware of my reliance on God’s provision. Thus, it is well (ish) with my soul. 

I would imagine that if you are answering the question honestly you may have a similar response as mine. I find that the health of my soul is usually tied directly to the amount of time spent abiding in God. When we abide in Him, our soul can be well despite our circumstances. Abiding in Him takes discipline, time, and often echoes the words that the psalmist wrote in Psalms 42:1-2, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” My soul does not desire a god that seems cold and distant and requires a to-do list for me to complete; rather my soul thirsts for the living God that is actively transforming me into the likeness of His Son. 

Our theme verse for 2024 is Hebrews 12:2: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Our desire is that we all continue to fix our eyes on Jesus and allow Him to transform us, so that He is glorified through us in our community. Richard Foster captured this thought well when he said, “We have only one thing to do, namely, to experience a life of relationship and intimacy with God, ‘the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). To help you keep your eyes on Jesus and caring for your soul, we have a gift for you.

I’m excited to share that our church now has unlimited access to RightNow Media - the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources. This extensive library has more than 20,000 videos taught by leaders like Francis Chan, Jennie Allen, Matt Chandler, Derwin Gray, and many more. These Bible study videos can be used as part of a group study or for personal devotions, and many series include free discussion guides and handouts. There’s even a library just for kids with over 2,000 safe, entertaining videos. There is also a free app that’s available on all major streaming devices so you and your family can access content anywhere, anytime. You can access this free gift by clicking here.

We have cultivated a library to help you start your journey - just click the Evergreen logo at the top center of the page.