Devotions from Stephen Smith’s book, Soul Custody

Abundant living is a choice that requires a beginning step and more after that. If we want to change, we will need to let desire show us the way. God puts His desires in us and we need to get in touch with the longings of our hearts. “When desire meets the soul, we find the place where motivation is unleashed and action is taken.”   What do we really want in life? What is He stirring in us?   “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desire of your heart.” Ps. 37:4  As we grow closer to Him, we actually want what He has wanted for us all along- a life that is deep, full, and satisfying. As we get in touch with our longings we will make choices because it is something we long for, or desire to do.  So caring for our soul is paying attention to what we want in life.  By facing our desires, we will find a deeper way to live from our hearts and be fulfilled. In Matt 11 from the message it says, “ Are you tired, worn out? Burned out on religion?  Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”