Psalm 34 Is it Well With My Soul?

I deeply feel the pain and struggles of those near and dear to me. Last summer I learned that I had been carrying the burdens of others and not handing them over to the Lord. Since then, I have practiced this principle by praying as the needs arise, as the person or situation comes to mind, and as nudged by Holy Spirit.

As I grabbed my bible and journal this morning a thought occurred to me: “Could the peace I’ve been operating in be passivity? Am I hiding what I’m really feeling deep inside in order to cope with all the pressure, change and challenges in my life?” I pondered this question as I got dressed for work and was praying, I heard the song, “All is well with my soul” and I began to wonder about my soul (mind, will and emotions). I immediately heard Genesis 1:7 “He breathed on him and he became a living soul”.

The breath of life — Holy Spirit — is the Conductor of mind, will and emotions. I thought about how much I love the witness of the Holy Spirit in my body when I please Him or I’m saying or doing something and I get a witness. It always brings me joy on the inside.

After I got to the office, I saw an email from a friend. In it she said she was praying for me and felt the Lord said, “Ask her about her soul.” When I got home for work, I phoned a friend who had texted that she wanted to pray for my soul! On that very day, I had posted a blog post for my pastor and it was all about the soul! Isn’t that amazing?

CONTINUED 6 DAYS LATER

I was praying and journaling a lot of issues I and others are facing when I heard Psalm 34. In my NASB, it’s titled “The Lord, a Provider and Deliverer”. This particular Psalm by David is all about the cry of his soul and a declaration of Who his Lord is in his life and those he leads.

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear it and rejoice.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.
8 O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
9 O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want.
10 The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves length of days that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against evildoers, To cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones; Not one of them is broken.
21 Evil shall slay the wicked; And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants; And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

Soul
Strong’s #5315 nephesh from root #5314
A breathing creature, i.e. animal or vitality
A feminine noun meaning breath, the inner being with its thoughts and emotions

Strong’s #5314 naphash
To be breathed upon
Refreshed (as if by a current of air)
Refresh selves

INTERPRETATION
Never, ever doubt that He isn’t near and that He doesn’t hear. The Lord keeps His word even when I might be shaken in my soul. My spirit rejoices with Him. Breathe in the breath of life again and receive His power and strength for the day, for the hour, and even for the moment.