You probably have heard about resolutions for the new year. How many of us start with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment? It is essential to keep them in front of us and have someone else share them. For what? To keep us in check and ask us about our progress. As a professional in human behavior, I can attest to how accurate those statements are. We become what we invest in our energy, time, and attention. We are humans that need to nurture ourselves in three areas. Those are our bodies, soul, and spirit. Our soul is the mind, attitudes, will, and emotions. We need to start with specific instructions to keep our health in those areas. We have a manual, a guide that can shed light on them. That is the Bible. Our Creator - God, expresses how we can become victorious and resilient in our journey.
Would you mind adjusting your sight to become victorious and resilient? I did not mention free from trouble. It is the opposite, and God warns us that we will face adversities and trials. And at the same time, He guarantees us that He will be with us during those periods. The first aspect of nurturing our souls is to carve out time to study His word- Joshua chapter one verses 8-9 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 9 Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God[b] is with you wherever you go.”
As you just heard or read, this past scripture reiterates what I explained. I will also share what Psalm one says, verses 1-6. “Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in Yahweh’slaw. On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.The wicked are not so,but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.”
The study of God's word includes following His guidelines- for starters, examine the Ten Commandments. Many people think that they are not valid and do not apply to us these days. For reference, read them in Deuteronomy chapter five and Exodus chapter twenty. Now, examine the following verses 14 through 16 from chapter thirty of Deuteronomy. “But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. 15 Behold, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and evil. 16 For I command you today to love Yahweh your God, to walk in his ways and to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his ordinances, that you may live and multiply, and that Yahweh your God may bless you in the land where you go in to possess it.”
I reiterate that many people think they are not valid and do not apply to us these days. In the New Testament, these scriptures are in Romans, chapter 10, verses 6 and 8 and cited by Jesus in Mark 10:17-19, Mark 12:30-31, Matthew 5:17, and Matthew chapter 22:36-40. The recommendation is to start studying it as soon as you wake up on your cell phone, incorporate it into having breakfast, drive your car, or commute on the bus or train. There is a Bible app that can read it for you, and it could be your guide to refer and start nurturing and building your soul.
Also, as you do exercises, you can play them and music to enlighten your soul and spirit. If you are a mom taking care of kids, incorporate them into your daily chores. As you listen repeatedly, it will be easier to understand it. Besides, it would be comfortable to follow his principles like practicing acts of justice, love, and mercy and observing God's reverence presented to us in Micah chapter 6 verse 8. Here it emphasizes forgiving as an act of obedience and honor before God and your neighbor. In the Lord's prayer, it is also a reminder to forgive, and in that manner, we will receive His forgiveness and blessings. As a goal for personal improvement for those looking to grow in that area. It is an aspect many companies are stressing as part of their growth. You can see that even companies are looking to develop their workers in areas about the soul.
In this book, we learn to practice good deeds unto others, and the companies name it as doing good works for the community. You can start by practicing acts of justice in your personal life, like taking care of widows and orphans. (Psalm 82:3). "Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed." You can expand your study on this subject in the book of Exodus 22:22-23 andJames's first chapter, verse 27. You are taking care of your body, soul, and spirit. It is not a hassle, and you can become healthier in all these areas as you intentionally devote time to it, like with any endeavor. I hope you start this moment with discipline by observing and practicing what God expects from us.
Suppose you have not declared God as your Father because you have never had one. For reasons like you lost him early in age and grew up without a dad, or have him absent from your life and interests because of work, it was hazardous to be around him because of his violent behavior. Or you are not interested in restoring that relationship, or he is not alive. Here is your opportunity to say, God, I need to start all over in my life, and I need your healing touch on my mind, emotions, attitudes, and heart. Please give me a new opportunity as I acknowledge I need a new beginning. I have heard about you and what you did for me by sending your only son Jesus to be sacrificed for me. I believe in his resurrection, declaring that I need a new life and beginnings with my mouth.
Friend, do not wait anymore; this is your day for new beginnings. I congratulate your courageous decision. Look for a community that disciples and teaches about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Remember, your Salvation is by God's mercy and grace. No acts from your part other than confession with your mouth about your commitment to Him and His teachings.
Now my attention is directed to those who know about God and His son. Live's disappointments, hurts, losses, sickness, betrayals, even from the community of faith you served, have caused you to walk out of God and his ways. He is waiting back for you, confess your sins, and He is faithful to forgive you and embrace you as you are. Reconnect again with a community of disciples and start all over. You will not regret it. I hope you can practice the suggestions I mentioned to create this year with the right priorities.
Respectfully, María Díaz
The scriptures are from the World English Bible, 2020 edition, Public Domain.
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