LOVER OF MY SOUL
Teaching Goal: To connect deeper with God
As I sat down to plan this Bible teaching chapter, I realized that I, too, still carry emotional wounds that need healing. It made me feel inadequate, but then I heard a quiet voice within me, saying, “Shanza, you’re like a beautiful house without a garden. There’s plenty of space and potential, and the soil is fertile. Can I be your appointed Landscaper, to transform and nurture it?” Without hesitation, I responded, “Yes, Lord, you can have full control over every corner. Just please handle my heart with care, as I’m uncertain if this ‘home’—which I assume represents my inner self—can handle intense transformation. I fear that everything may come crumbling down, and I won’t have the strength to pick up the pieces of my life again!” To be honest, I always ask God to correct me in a gentle way, as I struggle to handle harsh rebukes from the Lord, even though I recognize their importance in my growth.
Anyway, as I continued to worship God in that moment and allowing the Holy Spirit to work as my appointed Landscaper, a scripture came to my heart, which I now share with you:
Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God’s righteousness doesn’t grow from human anger. So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
James 1:19-21 MSG
This Scripture affirmed the Holy Spirit’s desire to heal our soul wounds. It is why you have been led to read and study God’s Word with me. As we journey further, I invite you to listen to Lisa Bevere’s testimony about her struggle with anger and how God transformed her life. She once prayed a bold prayer, “Father I want you to come into my life and excavate it, just go in!” Brace yourself for the wave of God’s glory in her powerful testimony.
…When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything. Entering into this fullness is not something you figure out or achieve. It’s not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you’re already in—insiders—not through some secretive initiation rite but rather through what Christ has already gone through for you, destroying the power of sin.
Colossians 2:9-11 MSG
All that is required is for you to step out in faith today, reaching out to God’s hand and allowing Him to completely transform your life. He will excavate the soul wounds that have cluttered your life with sin and regret. As the Holy Spirit begins the excavation process, the enemy’s schemes and strategies are exposed and brought into the light. You will see them for what they truly are: attempts to crush, overwhelm, and tear your life and family apart. But fear not, for Jesus not only excavates but also removes all the debris and trash. When His work is complete, all that remains is a clean slate and everything that was previously dislocated and broken, becomes whole again. Your life becomes a testament to God’s grace, a trophy displayed in His house, witnessed not only by heavenly beings but also by those around you. All glory be to Jesus!
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.
1 Peter 2:1-3 MSG
God has a wonderful future and life planned for you, but in order to move forward, we must respond to God’s call today to let it go and hand over our burdens to Him. The reason His Son, Jesus, died on the cross for us was to make this possible.
Through our union with him we have experienced circumcision of heart. All of the guilt and power of sin has been cut away and is now extinct because of what Christ, the Anointed One, has accomplished for us. For we’ve been buried with him into his death. Our “baptism into death” also means we were raised with him when we believed in God’s resurrection power, the power that raised him from death’s realm. This “realm of death” describes our former state, for we were held in sin’s grasp. But now, we’ve been resurrected out of that “realm of death” never to return, for we are forever alive and forgiven of all our sins! He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all—our sins, our stained soul—he deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation.
Colossians 2:11-14 TPT
You may be thinking, “It’s easy for you to say ‘let it go,’ but you have no idea about the hardships or trauma I’ve endured!” And you’re right. Each of us carries different types and degrees of emotional scars, with some being significantly more profound than others. Some even bear physical scars as evidence of the wounds inflicted upon them. However, I believe that by providing you with practical insights rooted in God’s Word, it can have a lasting impact on your life. God’s Word is alive and powerful, and it will fulfil its purpose. I know that God wants to do something new in your life!
Restoring our relationship with God and deepening our connection with Him as the “Lover of our Souls” is a profound journey. In this chapter, we will explore practical steps that can lead you on the path to emotional and spiritual healing. Join me on this transformative journey as we delve into the following strategy together:
The Transformative Strategy
L.E.T.
IT.
GO.
We have created an acronym for the strategy “LET IT GO,” as follows:
L – Learn to Calm Down
E – Engage in God’s Word
T – Take a Prayer Break
IT – Make a Daily ‘IT’ Declaration
GO – ‘GO’ and Embrace a Mission
Let’s unpack this strategy together:
L – Learn to calm down:
One practical point to heal from emotional wounds is to learn to calm down. This involves taking deliberate steps to manage your emotions and create a peaceful state of mind. One way to do this is by applying the principle found in Psalm 27:3 (MSG),
“When besieged, I’m calm as a baby. When all hell breaks loose, I’m collected and cool.”
Here are a few examples of what it can look like:
Take a timeout: Communicate with your partner or loved ones that you need some time alone to gather your thoughts and calm down before addressing a problem or conflict. It could be a 10-minute break or longer, depending on what you need to regain emotional stability.
Practice deep breathing: When you feel overwhelmed or agitated, focus on your breath. Take slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This technique helps activate the body’s relaxation response, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.
Engage in soothing activities: Find activities that help you relax and unwind, such as listening to calming music, taking a walk in nature, reading a book, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. These activities can distract your mind from distressing thoughts and create a sense of inner peace.
Seek support: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor who can provide a listening ear and offer guidance. Sharing your feelings with someone understanding can help alleviate emotional tension and provide perspective on the situation.
Remember, learning to calm down takes practice, and it’s okay to seek support along the way. By implementing deliberate strategies for emotional stability, you can maintain a steady and balanced state of mind. This will not only help you develop trust in God’s guidance but also facilitate the healing process for emotional wounds, cultivating a sense of inner peace.
E – Engage in God’s Word:
In the journey of healing from emotional wounds, the next practical point is to “Engage” by consuming God’s Word. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 55:1-2 NLT, which states,
Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food,
By actively engaging with God’s Word, we discover a wellspring of comfort, guidance, and healing for our wounded hearts. This ministry recognizes the emotional triggers that stem from our soul wounds, and through the lens of God’s Word, we learn how to respond and internalize these challenges in a way that aligns with His teachings. The Bible also offers countless stories of hope, encouragement, and individuals who triumphed over great trials. As we dive into the Word, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love and truth, which can bring healing and restoration to our emotions.
Through reading, meditating, and studying the Scriptures, we uncover the depth of God’s character, His promises of comfort and peace, and the unwavering assurance of His presence in our lives. His Word becomes a wellspring of strength, providing the nourishment required to persevere and progress on our healing journey.
Take a moment right now, to identify the specific emotional triggers you encounter. Jot them down and let the wisdom found in God’s Word guide you as you develop a personalized strategy for maintaining emotional composure. This proactive approach will empower you to navigate future challenges with collected and calm emotions that are rooted in God’s Word. Make it a habit to engage in God’s Word, particularly in these sensitive areas, so that you can work on and develop your faith muscle.
T – Take a prayer break:
When healing from emotional wounds, it’s essential to take a prayer break. As James 5:13-16 MSG states:
“Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. And if you’ve sinned, you’ll be forgiven—healed inside and out. Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”
Seek comfort in prayer and connect with God when you find yourself reliving the hardships or facing your soul wounds. Follow the guidance of James and create moments of pause amidst the chaos. Allow yourself the space to draw strength from God and be filled with His unconditional love. Offer your concerns, hurts, and burdens to your Heavenly Father, seeking guidance, comfort, and strength from the Holy Spirit. Prayer can bring a sense of peace and reassurance, enabling you to release negative emotions and discover renewed hope. By taking dedicated prayer breaks, you open yourself up to the healing power of spirituality and invite intervention of the Holy Spirit into your journey of emotional restoration.
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.
Psalms 4:4-5 MSG
Let’s continue with the transformative strategy of “LET IT GO”
Make a Daily ‘IT’ Declaration
As for me, people may have intended harm, but You meant it for good, to bring about the preservation of many lives, as they are today.
(Genesis 50:20)And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
(Romans 8:28)”“IT” refers to the specific challenges and wounds you have experienced. Instead of declaring the trauma or hardship you have gone through, declare what you believe God’s promise is to heal you of that soul wound. To do that, you first need to acknowledge what these wounds actually are. Once you understand what ‘IT’ was, what the enemy meant for evil in your life, you can create your daily ‘IT’ declaration by declaring God’s promises of healing and restoration over your life.
Here’s an example:
I acknowledge that I have gone through deep challenges and soul wounds in my life. For far too long, I allowed myself to be deceived about my true identity. I carried the burden of feeling unworthy and ashamed, believing the lies that were whispered into my heart. But today, I stand in the truth of who I am in Christ.
I declare that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created with purpose and intention by a loving God. I reject the shame that once clung to my soul and embrace the freedom that comes from knowing I am forgiven and redeemed. I release the chains of deception that have held me captive and step into the truth of my new life in Christ.
I declare that God’s promises of healing and restoration are activated in my life. He has promised to bind up my wounds and mend my brokenness. I surrender my pain and scars to Him, trusting that He will transform them into a testimony of His faithfulness and grace.
I declare that my identity is rooted in Christ alone. I am a beloved child of God, chosen and set apart for His purposes. I am not defined by my past mistakes or failures but by His unchanging love for me. I release the need for approval from others and find my worth in the acceptance I have received from my Heavenly Father.
I declare that I will walk boldly in the truth of my identity. I will no longer be deceived by the lies of the enemy but will cling to the promises of God’s Word. I will speak words of life and affirmation over myself, silencing the voices of doubt and self-condemnation. I choose to believe that I am enough, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil the purpose God has placed within me.
I declare that I am worthy of love and acceptance. I reject the lies that have deceived me into believing otherwise. I am a child of God, chosen and cherished. I am worthy of the abundant life that Christ has promised me.
I declare that what once caused pain and shame will now be a source of strength and hope for others. I will use my experiences to encourage and uplift those who are walking a similar path, pointing them towards the healing and restoration found in Christ.
I declare that I am stepping into a new identity in Christ. I am an overcomer, a victor, and a vessel of His love and grace. I will walk confidently in my new life, leaving behind the chains of feeling unworthy and embracing the freedom found in Him.
This is my declaration. I speak it with faith and conviction, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises. I am no longer deceived but am walking in the truth of who I am in Christ.
By affirming these promises, you align your heart and mind with God’s truth, allowing His healing power to flow into your life and the lives of others. Never underestimate the power of God’s Word. James 1:21 NLT reminds us, “So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” This verse emphasizes that God’s Word possesses the transformative power to heal your soul and save you from any spiritual wounds.
‘GO’ and Embrace a Mission
Remember, it is not enough to merely know the scriptures and recite them. True transformation occurs when the words of God penetrate our hearts and shape our actions. Let the Word of God be the compass that directs your thoughts, words, and deeds.
Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them.“The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them . They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.
Matthew 23:1-3 MSG
As you embark on this ‘GO’ mission, let your life be a living testament to the power of God’s love. Be genuine and sincere in your pursuit of righteousness, seeking to exemplify the qualities of compassion, forgiveness, and humility. Through your actions, let others witness the transformative work of God in your life.
In your journey towards emotional healing and spiritual growth, remember that you are not alone. Take moments of prayer and communion with God, inviting His presence to permeate your heart and mind. Allow His divine guidance to strengthen and uplift you, enabling you to overcome past hurts and embrace a future filled with hope and purpose.
May your commitment to live out God’s teachings be evident in every aspect of your life. By aligning your behavior with the principles found in the Word of God, you become an instrument of healing and a source of inspiration to those around you. Let your light shine brightly, illuminating the path for others to find emotional restoration and a deeper connection with God.
Here are a few examples of what your ‘GO’ mission might look like:
Empowering Survivors of Abuse: If the person has healed from a history of abuse, their mission could involve creating support groups or organizations to empower survivors. They could provide resources, counseling, and safe spaces for individuals who have experienced similar trauma, helping them heal, regain self-worth, and rebuild their lives.
Mental Health Advocacy: If the person has overcome mental health challenges, their mission may involve raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma. They could organize workshops, seminars, or public speaking events to educate others about mental health, promote self-care practices, and provide support networks for individuals struggling with their mental well-being.
Addiction Recovery Support: If the person has healed from addiction, their mission could be to support others on their journey to recovery. They might become involved in local rehabilitation centers, volunteer as sponsors or mentors for those in recovery, or even establish their own recovery programs. Their mission would focus on providing guidance, accountability, and resources to help individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives.
Youth Mentorship: If the person has experienced challenges during their youth, such as bullying or social exclusion, their mission could involve becoming a mentor for at-risk youth. They could work with schools, community centers, or local organizations to provide mentorship, guidance, and emotional support to young people facing similar difficulties. Their mission would be to help these youth develop resilience, self-esteem, and positive coping strategies.
Family Support and Reconciliation: If the person has healed from broken family relationships or experienced the pain of a dysfunctional family, their mission might involve working towards family reconciliation and support. They could establish family therapy programs, facilitate workshops on effective communication and conflict resolution, or offer resources to help individuals foster healthier family dynamics. Their mission would be to promote healing, understanding, and stronger bonds within families.
It’s important to note that each person’s mission will be unique and based on their personal experiences and passions. These examples are just a starting point, and the possibilities are vast when it comes to using personal healing to help others in meaningful ways.
May these practical steps, rooted in the teachings of Jesus, empower you to embrace your mission wholeheartedly and impact the lives of others through your faithful obedience.
One key reason people do not pursue greatness is that they quickly encounter the enemy of greatness: the lack of a clear meaningful mission.
— Lewis Howes
Engagement Challenge
Are you feeling a tug in your heart from the Lord, urging you to release something that’s been holding you back? It may be an emotional challenge, but remember, with God’s Word as our weapon, we can overcome any obstacle. Let’s embrace the power of salvation and protect our thoughts from the enemy’s lies. Equip yourself with the mighty Spirit-sword of God’s spoken word. Through constant intercession and prayer in the Spirit, let’s bless and uplift one another.
Now, let’s focus on your soul’s healing and deliverance. What is your “GO Mission”? In other words, which Scripture will you choose to embrace and live out in your life as you journey towards healing and freedom from soul wounds? We invite you to share this with us, so we can join in prayer and support. Together, let’s trust in God’s guidance and experience the transformative power of His Word.
Worship Challenge
Worship is not about having it all together or pretending that everything is perfect. It’s not always easy to pour out your heart with gratitude and praise. In fact, it can be incredibly difficult, especially when you feel unable to express your pain, frustration, or even blame God. Many people are deceived about what worship truly entails and the character of God. But here’s the key: God desires you to open your heart to Him, even in your anger, bitterness, fear, disappointment, and shame. Look to David as an example:
Open up before God , keep nothing back; he’ll do whatever needs to be done: He’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
Psalm 37:5-6 MSG
Remember, your life is an open book before God—nothing surprises Him. He longs to be your Hero, rescuing you from self-destructive tendencies and the schemes of the enemy. Often, our most significant battles are the ones waged within our hearts and minds, stemming from past wounds inflicted by the enemy. We may cling to these wounds, distorting our perception of God and those who have hurt us deeply. We need to guard our hearts from our own destructive tendencies and that’s why we need to draw close to God and allow Him to invade our hearts and safe us from ourselves and the enemy.
…Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Matthew 6:7-13 MSG
As the Word tells us, “the world is full of full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God”, But today, I encourage you to approach God with simplicity, honesty, and humility.
Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions but doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it.
1 Timothy 2:8-10 MSG
If there are lingering thoughts and wounds that you rehearse in your mind, don’t attempt to suppress or ignore them. Untreated soul wounds can lead to even more destructive cycles. Instead, as you revisit the pain—whatever form it takes—invite God to uncover and heal it. Surrender it to the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s forgiveness and His assistance in releasing the emotional burdens of your soul. Always follow each hurtful experience with a declaration of your healing, deliverance, and wholeness in Christ, so that you won’t remain trapped in that place. Remember, God has destined you to be victorious, regardless of what you have endured.
…Death is swallowed up by a triumphant victory! So death, tell me, where is your victory? Tell me death, where is your sting? It is sin that gives death its sting and the law that gives sin its power. But we thank God for giving us the victory as conquerors through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 TPT
Take up the challenge of worship with courage and authenticity, discovering the true nature of God’s love and power. You were created to overcome and experience the fullness of victory in Christ.
The Extra Mile Challenge
Let us now find a moment of relaxation in the presence of the Lord, eagerly embracing the profound teachings that will grant us deeper insight into discovering healing and deliverance for the wounds that afflict our souls. Although Marian Jordan Ellis directs her message towards women, it holds significant relevance for men as well, particularly those who have encountered childhood wounds that have affected their perception of God as their Heavenly Father. Ultimately, the core objective revolves around triumphing over soul wounds and seeking restoration through the transformative power of God’s Word. I recommend listening to “Soul Wounds,” Joyce Meyer’s “The Road to Healing,” and Marian Jordan Ellis’s “The Beautiful Name: Abba, Father.”
Meditation Challenge
Welcome to the Soul Healing Meditation Challenge, where we embark on a transformative journey to find healing and restoration for our wounded souls. Today’s meditation is centered around the powerful words from Isaiah:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV