HE RESTORES MY SOUL- BETH MILLS

Have you ever wondered why life began in a garden? Everything that God does is full of life and growth. A garden is the perfect picture for God to show us the blessing of fruitfulness He desires for us. Even though our bodies stop growing and gradually begin to wear out, our inner being is renewed every single day (2 Corinthians 4:16). As pastors and leaders caring for others, we often forget to tend the soil of our own heart. Jesus taught us, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) And Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” We must tend to our own heart soil to keep it fertile and fruitful for feeding others in the Kingdom.

Several years ago, my heart was growing dull and lifeless. Everything on the outside was going great: our ministry was flourishing, our family was growing, we were walking in abundant blessing. But inside, I felt like I was in a slimy pit and the black slime of my poor attitude was beginning to leak out from behind my “everything’s fine” mask. Thankfully, through books given to me by family and friends along with prayer, Jesus rescued me and taught me the importance of tending my heart soil and how to do it. He restored my soul. Here are a few things He taught me.

Seek out and receive from spiritual fathers and mothers. The wisdom and blessing that comes from their experience with God is a precious treasure. Their prayers for us are powerful and productive.

Don’t allow any offense to grow into a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness doesn’t stay quietly hidden in your heart, it poisons other people as well. Regularly allow the Holy Spirit to do a heart check and ask Him to show you any wound or lie that is effecting your soul. Forgive anyone He brings to your mind. Repent for agreeing with any lie or for holding any unforgiveness. And then the best part, ask Him what He has for you in exchange for that wounded place. This process is a gift that brings the “exceedingly, abundantly above” life of freedom in Christ!

Remember to keep a Sabbath lifestyle of regular rhythms of rest. Experience God in His creation. Push the pause button on your daily ministry activities so you can remember who God is and who you truly are in Him. Let Him take you to the green pastures and the still waters where He will restore your soul.

Tend the soil of your heart and you will see abundant growth in your own soul that will bring life to all you encounter.


©️Beth Mills 2023

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